Richmond charity Just The Job is urging supporters to consider buying straw bales to fill the walls of its new premises this Christmas rather than presents to fill stockings.
The charity needs to raise £600,000 to build its planned new facility on the Gallowfields Trading Estate.
So far, more than £200,000 has been raised towards the project, but staff hope a Christmas fundraising drive can boost that total.
Steve Biggs, Just the Job general manager, said: “We have taken on the task of building a new bespoke centre to accommodate ourselves and other local charities.
“The BIG Green Build is a pioneering project for the local area, incorporating solar panels, green roof, reed bed water filtration, timber frame construction and straw bale insulation.
“We are now actively trying to raise the additional funds needed to complete the build so this Christmas why not by straw bales for your family rather than stocking fillers?”
The charity works with adult with disabilities to achieve their potential by doing work in the community.
Its gardening teams have a loyal customer base of local residents, businesses, landowners, local groups, and councils.
Steve added: “We aim to empower, support and nurture individuals in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
“There is a wide range of abilities and conditions, and we all support each other to become integrated into a real work environment and access work and life skills training, social activities, and employment opportunities in a person-centred approach.”
Steve said Just the Job was unique in Richmondshire and Hambleton and it was vital the charity was able to expand.
“There is no one else that allows the team members to use the machines we use on a day to day basis. If we are unable to build and grow, our Service Users will have to travel further to services who may not have the space.
“It doesn’t take a lot to then realise the added pressure this would place on people that could already be considered as vulnerable.
“It would have the potential for those that would be affected, to suffer the loss of their relationships made, place more pressure on family/carers and the loss of safe, trustworthy, affordable gardening services for the elderly in the area.
“Currently, we can function due to our core costs being covered by the North Yorkshire Council health and adult services provider agreement, direct payments and self-funders.
“Any earned income covers new tools, repairs, craft kit, horticulture etc and each area is generally self-financing.
“We also receive a small number of small grants and donations which allows us to cover new start-up costs for new activities, such as art projects, carpentry, and our community orchard.
“We are offering the opportunity to donate money, time, or materials. We are keen to hear from anyone who would like to get involved and have an incentive scheme for businesses, groups, and individuals to gain recognition.
“Help us to deliver a sustainable future so that on our 25th anniversary in 2025, we will make an even bigger contribution to our community.”
Contact Steve on 01748 822815 or make a donation to the project by clicking here.
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Now that’s a sensible idea for a sensible use of money. Buying tat, or even any sort of present, just because it’s December isn’t compulsory.