More than 100 volunteers who helped rough sleepers at cold weather homelessness shelters were thanked at a special event staged run by Crystal Palace FC last week.
Crystal Palace’s Mark Bright and Phil Alexander (back row) together with (from left) Alison Butler from the council, Sainsbury’s store manager Ollie Mackie, shelters volunteer John Broom and council official Julia Pitt
Each autumn and winter, organisations across the borough, from faith groups to national charities, provide support for the homeless. The Croydon Churches Floating Shelters volunteers provide shelters across the borough, and at last Thursday’s afternoon tea for the volunteers staged at Selhurst Park, a special tribute was paid to long-term volunteer John Broom, who has co-ordinated the churches’ winter shelters for more than 20 years.
Broom received a glass plaque, champagne and home match tickets from former Palace player Mark Bright as a thank you.
Over the winter, Croydon Council’s Gateway service offered an emergency shelter at the football stadium for rough sleepers on nights when the temperature was forecast to hit freezing. Food from the neighbouring Sainsbury’s store was often provided.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome the volunteers to Selhurst Park Stadium,” said Phil Alexander, the Crystal Palace CEO.
“We are committed to using the club’s position within the community to support important projects. We hope to work with Croydon Council and Sainsbury’s Crystal Palace on future community initiatives.”
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