In December, we asked our partners, clients and friends to join us in spreading some Christmas cheer, through our annual festive giving campaign, ‘All You Read Is Love’.
In our third year of running the campaign, we were determined to give the gift of books to young people across the North West and to hand-deliver the books to some of the best charities and organisations across the region.
The campaign followed its ongoing theme of supporting emerging, new writers, as well as those from underrepresented groups, such as LGBTQ+ and BAME authors. We also championed donations of second-hand books and those purchased from local independent retailers.
After weeks of donations to both our Liverpool and Manchester HQ’s we were thrilled to see our book count hit a HUGE 700+!
We couldn’t have done this without the help of our generous donors, and we want to send a special thank you to everyone involved. We ended our year in the most heart-warming of ways and we couldn’t have done it without you.
Here are just a few of the charities we were able to support as a result of this year’s campaign:
LFC Foundation, Liverpool
The LFC Foundation works in areas of high need and deprivation across the Liverpool City Region, aiming to deliver sustainable and long-term change for communities, and to ensure that its work continues to benefit future generations.
Amadudu Refuge, Liverpool
Amadudu Refuge is a service for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. The service offers temporary accommodation for families, providing support, understanding and access to additional services when required. The charity prioritises the needs of Black and Racial Minority (BRM) women and children, but will take referrals from all sections of the community.
The First Step, Liverpool
The First Step is a multi-gender agency which aims to offer comprehensive support and protection for people experiencing domestic violence. It aims to do this by providing existing services to sufferers of domestic violence and developing new services where necessary.
Centre 56, Liverpool
Centre 56 is a domestic abuse charity in the heart of North Liverpool. It puts children first, providing childcare, information and support for families and children who have suffered or are at risk of domestic abuse or a crisis situation.
The Florrie, Liverpool
The Florrie is a charity that has been at the heart of the L8 community for over 130 years. It is a social, cultural, educational and charitable hub for the people of South Liverpool, offering a wide variety of participatory activities for people of all ages, food support through The Florrie Community Shop & Community Café and hosts a huge range of cultural, musical & artistic events & exhibitions throughout the year.
The Proud Trust, Manchester
The Proud Trust is a life changing charity providing education, support and advocacy for LGBT+ young people and their communities. The Proud Trust delivers youth work and one-to-one support across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
Wood Street Mission, Manchester
Wood Street aims to improve the life chances of children and families living in poverty by contributing to the creation of a society where all children have equal access to those items necessary for their wellbeing and education.
Perry’s Pantry Foodbank, Manchester
Perry’s Pantry is a foodbank based in Didsbury which provides emergency food parcels to the people of South Manchester living in poverty.
Forever Manchester, Manchester
Forever Manchester is Greater Manchester’s Community Foundation, the only charity that raises money to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester.
Manchester Youth Zone, Manchester
MYZ provides a safe space for young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with additional needs) to raise their aspirations and enjoy healthier, happier lives. The charity enables young people the opportunity to try new things that will increase their confidence and help them reach goals that will set them up to chase their dreams.
Safety4Sisters, Manchester
Based in the North West - but with a global outlook – Safety4Sisters are a feminist and anti-racist organisation with a vision for a world in which all migrant women are safe and live lives free from patriarchal and state injustice.
Manchester City Council – Children in care
We also delivered a number of books to Manchester City Council to be distributed directly to the young people in need across the city.
We hope to see you again when ‘All you read is love’ returns in November 2023.
