Julia and Hans Rausing have made a £500,000 donation to the BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal with St Martin-in-the-Fields, to support people facing homelessness across the UK.

This is the largest one-off donation in the 96-year history of the BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal. The theme for the Appeal this year is Everything Starts With Home.

The money will go to support people experiencing homelessness across the UK, mainly through our Vicar’s Relief Fund (VRF).

VRF provides emergency financial support so that people in vulnerable situations can find – and keep – a safe place to live. Designed to prevent someone from losing their home or to help them find a new one, these quick and urgent grants can transform someone’s situation.

VRF grants are issued quickly and efficiently – within a matter of days – via experienced support workers, who work closely with people affected by homelessness.

Julia and Hans Rausing said:

“Thousands of people are facing homelessness this winter with rising energy and food bills leaving many people with impossible decisions to make. St Martin-in-the-Fields provides support to both prevent homelessness in the UK and to find accommodation for those in need. We are pleased to support this worthy charity once more.”

Tim Bissett, Director of St Martin’s Charity said:

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Julia and Hans Rausing. Their gift will make an enormous difference to many, many people.

At a time when we are all deeply concerned about the cost-of-living crisis, these emergency grants could be a real lifeline. We know that, with the help of our Vicar’s Relief Fund, many lives have been turned around: evictions prevented and new homes secured. It gives me real hope to think how far this generous sum will go.”

Change lives this Christmas

Change lives this Christmas

Help someone find a safe place to live this Christmas.

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