Mum’s Bedroom Idea To Help Hundreds This Christmas
Hayley Burgess said the community loves helping with her business because of what it stands for, reports the Liverpool Echo.
A mum’s bedroom idea is set to make a difference for hundreds this Christmas. Hayley Burgess, from Birkenhead, is the brains behind Hopeful Haven – a Wirral non-profit organisation that prides itself on extending a helping hand to those in need. The 37-year-old, who lives in Bromborough, does house clearances for free, takes the items found, and either fixes them up to sell or, if in suitable condition, offers them to those who have just gotten off the streets and moved into a home. This can be anything from providing cutlery and furniture to cookers. The money raised from the sold items is fed back to a self-funded charity to buy hats, scarves, and tents for those experiencing homelessness.
The mum-of-three told the Echo: “Our organisation tackles homelessness and poverty from the front line. We try our best to make life on the streets easier to handle. We see first-hand that poverty and homelessness are becoming more and more common, and more so than ever before. We all need to stick together and stay strong. You look around, and you see so many people struggling. It made me want to do something.” Hayley’s business idea started over a year ago after she was donating coats and toys to schools for children at Christmas time. She realised there were elderly kids who were also missing out and didn’t have clothes. After seeing this, she felt the urge to do something.
She said: “I had to do something for these disadvantaged people. We went from my bedroom, where this all started, to a little shop. We outgrew that within months, and now we have a place on Grange Road in Birkenhead. This place is massive but I’d say it’s still not big enough because people keep donating. They love what we do and what we stand for – helping those in need. It shouldn’t be happening to anyone, people out there in the cold, in the freezing temperature. It’s horrible to see and heart-breaking. I couldn’t imagine being in that position. One thing I find is that they are the most loyal and giving people despite the situation they are in. We went to help an old lady recently. She was next of kin in the house, but she didn’t live there; it was a family member who had died. She had two weeks to clear the home, so she was thankful for us to take all her belongings and do good with them, and we were thankful to her.”
Hayley’s business is helping out at an event organised by Paul Hession from Rainbow Toffee, Everton’s LGBTQ+ supporters group to offer the “joy of the festive season” to everyone—no matter their situation. On Sunday, December 8, an evening of Christmas performances on Blundell Street is taking place with a three-course meal and gift for everyone. Jake Lee who won the ‘Heart of Gold’ award at the Rainbow Toffees awards ceremony in August at Liverpool Central Library has donated £500 to cover drinks at the bar, ensuring everyone can enjoy a festive toast. Paul said: “In times of need, the strength of a community is measured by its ability to come together and uplift those who are less fortunate. Compassion and collective action can change lives and remind us all of the power of unity.”
