When I set out to organise a collection for Crawley Open House to mark International Women’s Day, I thought I was simply gathering essential supplies for those in need. What I didn’t expect was to learn so much about the kindness, generosity, and deep sense of community that exists around me.
Crawley Open House is a charity local to me that provides vital support to those facing homelessness, unemployment, loneliness, discrimination, and social exclusion. In line with Canela’s Keep Working for Change campaign, the collection focused on gathering essential items for the women supported by Crawley Open House.
I took to social media and the sidelines of my children’s sporting endeavours to ask friends, acquaintances and business contacts for donations of toiletries, sanitary products, clean clothes, bedding, and basic food items – necessities that many of us take for granted but can make an enormous difference for those in need.
While I knew many of my friends would come together to support an important cause so close to home, I was truly overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness that followed. The response exceeded all my expectations, reaffirming just how powerful collective goodwill can be.
The power of generosity
What struck me most throughout this process was the willingness to help. Friends and acquaintances I hadn’t spoken to in years reached out with offers of support, eager to contribute in any way they could. Some donated bags full of essentials, others spread the word and encouraged their own networks to get involved. It was…life-affirming!
One of the most heartwarming moments came from our local Tesco. When I approached them to ask if they would be able to contribute, I expected a small gesture – perhaps a few packs of toiletries or a couple of food items.
Instead, they went above and beyond, providing multiple shopping trolleys filled with essential items -everything a woman who has been living on the streets or has potentially left home with nothing except the clothes on her back might need – all in pristine condition.
Their generosity was a testament to the impact that businesses can have when they choose to support charitable initiatives.
More than just donations
Beyond the physical items collected, this experience highlighted something even more important – the power of empathy and connection. Every donation represented a person who cared, who took a moment out of their busy lives to think about someone else’s struggles. It reinforced the idea that, no matter how divided the world sometimes feels, there is still so much kindness among us.
The women (and men) at Crawley Open House face incredibly difficult circumstances, and while a donation drive cannot solve all the challenges they endure, I hope that it can provide comfort, dignity, and a reminder that they are not alone. Something as simple as a warm blanket, a fresh set of clothes, or basic hygiene products can restore a sense of normality and hope.
A lasting impact
The collection has left a lasting impression on me. It was a timely reminder that people want to help those around them – they just need an opportunity to do so. Moving forward, I hope to continue being the conduit between Tesco and Crawley Open House and other charities, making sure that anything that is surplus to requirements finds a good home somewhere, and that the spirit of generosity I witnessed doesn’t fade away after one campaign.
If this experience has taught me anything, it’s that asking for help isn’t just about receiving – it’s about creating connections, strengthening communities, and reminding us all that even small acts of kindness can lead to change for the better.
