Much-loved charity the Railway Benefit Fund (RBF) is calling for support in raising £40,000 this Christmas for railway people struggling with the cost of living crisis.
RBF has faced a huge increase in the amount of railway people and their families needing the charity’s help this winter – many of whom are living in fear of losing their homes.
This year, RBF have already helped nearly 1,000 families with financial support, and for many, this has been the difference between keeping and losing their homes. Over 40% of those RBF have supported this year were at risk of homelessness due to escalating bills and the cost of living crisis.
This Christmas, you can help railway people like Jack, a Gateline Assistant, who resorted to living in his van following the breakup of his marriage. After he turned to RBF, the charity was able to support him with a months’ rent and deposit for a flat. Jack is now safe in a home for Christmas.
“I was living in my van following the breakdown of my relationship which then led to mental health issues and having to take time off work,” said Jack. “I desperately needed to find somewhere to live so I could get back to work and spend time with my children. Thanks to RBF I now have a room and a safe place to see my kids. It has been a really tough few months but I’m glad to say that things are starting to look better for me.”
Get involved
Donating to RBF really does make a difference.
£25 covers the cost of running their helpline for one hour, providing advice and support to those facing homelessness.
£50 would cover the cost of heating a family’s home for a week and give some reprieve from the spiralling bills and debt over the festive season.
The charity is encouraging individuals and companies to fundraise this year to help raise money for their Christmas Appeal. There are many different ways to get involved, such as having a Christmas jumper day at work, a raffle for RBF at your Christmas party, or taking on a sporting challenge and getting sponsored.
Christmas shop
RBF has a selection of rail themed Christmas items available to purchase this year, including two brand new cards and their 2023 Calendar ‘Rail Moments in History.’ When making an online purchase, choose to ‘Give a Gift’ from £5-50 to help your purchase go even further. All sales from the RBF Christmas Shop will go directly towards supporting the Railway Family.
As a charity, RBF relies on the generosity of its supporters and the donations they raise- all of which go straight to funding the welfare and crisis needs of people working in rail. By donating, fundraising or purchasing Christmas items, you will make a real difference to railway families this Christmas.
Donate to the Christmas Appeal at www.justgiving.com/campaign/ahomeforchristmas.
Visit the Christmas Shop at https://shop.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk.
Image credit: RBF / istockphoto.com
