Small change in passengers’ pockets could bring big changes to the lives of some of the region’s most vulnerable people thanks to a campaign backed by West Midlands Metro.
Customers are being asked to donate their loose change at tram stops in support of Change Into Action and its sister charity Alternative Giving, which supports individuals at risk of homelessness in Wolverhampton.
Head of Operations at WM Metro, Ray Harris, said the campaign was being run jointly with Midland Main Line trains and will help to provide support to people rough sleeping and at risk of becoming homeless over the Christmas and New Year period.
“Change Into Action is a scheme adopted by the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, and run by councils in Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull and Walsall in partnership with West Midlands Combined Authority to help people rough sleeping to move away from the streets for good,” he said.
“It has already raised over £150k and directed this funding into specialist homelessness charities and street teams who are working to improve the lives of individuals who are rough sleeping.
“We hope that many of our passengers will take that message to heart and help us to support those at risk across the region so that they can start the New Year with somewhere to call home.”
Change into Action is a safe and easy way for passengers to give money knowing that it will directly go to helping people who are sleeping rough. Money donated so far has paid for items such as new clothing, ID so that benefits and accommodation can be accessed, travel passes to get to medical and other essential appointments, and emergency accommodation.
Messaging across the network is asking passengers to donate to Change Into Action/Alternative Giving to help the region’s rough sleepers during the winter period.
So, from now until December 22 and again from January 4-18, WMM will be making passenger announcements and updating their passenger information displays to encourage customers to make an online donation via the scheme’s website: https://changeintoaction.org.uk/
Posters will also be displayed at stops and digital screens on board will reinforce the message.
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