ST Joseph’s family centre will once again support hundreds of families this Christmas with their annual festive fundraising drive.

Aimed particularly at families experiencing signification financial hardship, the St Joseph’s family centre in one form or another has been supporting the families of Warrington for more than 100 years, forming in 1917.

The centre will raise funds and distribute them by providing long-lasting kitchen essentials alongside supermarket vouchers. The vouchers are food specific, with the vouchers not being accepted for alcohol, tobacco, or lottery tickets under the scheme.

In 2020, due to Covid restrictions, the centre was unable to do what they had previously done each Christmas and provide treat hampers and food to local families experiencing financial hardship.

Innovating out of necessity, the group landed on supermarket vouchers, which turned out to be a smash success.

St Joseph’s centre manager Rosanna Kyme-Wright said, “The pandemic allowed us to stop and reconsider what was best.

"We were extremely overwhelmed by the response to the vouchers.

"Vouchers give families freedom to choose and purchase items for themselves.”

She went on to say that 'children should be oblivious' and that vouchers allowed parents 'choice and pride' to purchase items for themselves without children being aware of their hardship.

In 2020 the centre raised £21,500 and were able to support 259 families as a result. This was followed up by £16,800 in 2021, in which St Joseph’s were able to support 274 families.

The group expect that this year they will receive roughly 300 referrals, with referrals coming through trusted external professionals.

The funds are distributed evenly, with families with more children in the household receiving more vouchers proportionate to their increased needs.

Rosanna said: “We need the help of our local community to help us again this year.”

Donations can be made here.