Rachel Slade, Finance Coordinator at University of Cambridge, set herself the challenge to run a total of 100km in July to fundraise for the Fine & Country Foundation. Rachel has chosen for the proceeds to go to two homeless charities, Jimmy’s Night Shelter and WinterComfort Shelter, in Cambridge.

During lockdown, Rachel has seen the many people who have found a love for running, but sometimes lacks the motivation to go herself, making this challenge all the more impressive. The philanthropist is taking on the 100km with the motivation of battling homelessness. To the Fine & Country Foundation, she said, “any support I get will only motivate me further!”

On Rachel’s JustGiving page, she asks, “Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be homeless during a pandemic? Sleeping on the streets with a deadly virus potentially all around you? Not having the comfort of being locked in your warm, safe, clean house?” 

Selected benefactors, WinterComfort and Jimmy’s homeless shelters, have considered what life is like for those sleeping rough and will continue to provide support during and after the pandemic. 

WinterComfort, a day centre supporting and creating opportunities for homeless individuals, have been operating for more than 28 years. The centre is open seven days a week to support all men and women who are homeless or vulnerably housed. Vital welfare services are available every day, offering food, toiletries, clothes, and a place to shower and do laundry. Supporters and partners work with WinterComfort to deliver life-changing personal development sessions, where service users can receive information, guidance, and training. Other services involve offering women-only support, an independent House Advice service, as well as individual appointments with specialist workers. 

Jimmy’s night shelter has provided help to those experiencing homelessness in Cambridge for over 25 years. Working with the local community, organisations, and partners, the charity delivers help and accommodation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2012, the shelter was granted the royal seal of approval when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the opening of Jimmy’s new assessment centre. At the charity’s assessment centres and emergency accommodation, volunteers provide a Controlled Drinking Project for recovering alcoholics, a house for those recovering from drug addiction, as well as a further 12 shared houses for people in need of additional support.

Simon Pickering, Fundraising Manager at WinterComfort shelter, comments on the ways the shelters have been supporting rough sleepers during the pandemic, while the day centre has had to close. Adapting to the climate during the Covid-19 pandemic, WinterComfort ensured no rough sleeper went without an offer of temporary accommodation, or access to hot meals, food parcels, food vouchers, mobile phones, a postal service, and essential supplies.  

Rachel Slade received an email from WinterComfort, providing details of the actions the shelter has taken to support the homeless and vulnerably housed 

Already, Rachel has raised 50 per cent of her £300 target for the Fine & Country Foundation. To support this fundraiser, share and donate to the cause on Rachel Slade’s JustGiving page here.  

The Fine & Country Foundation are proud of the compassion seen from fundraisers in a bid to fight causes of homelessness. If you have been inspired to raise funds for the Foundation, please contact foundation@fineandcountry.com or call +44 (0)20 3368 8221. 

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