Support for Shekinah Mission

Otter Garden Centre in Brixton in Plymouth raised over £3,550 for local charity Shekinah Mission which will help maintain a 365-day service at the charity’s Drop In Centre on Bath Street.

Donations came from a variety of events and initiatives, from the collecting tins at the tills to staff raffles, plus a visit from traditional woodturners who generously donated £350. In addition, the garden centre’s Christmas launch day and festive animation displays featuring singing penguins and talking reindeer also attracted plenty of contributions from customers. Fundraising was kept on track by Front of House Manager and Events Coordinator, Adele Rundle.

Shekinah is a Devon and Cornwall based charity supporting people experiencing homelessness predominately rough sleeping, and anyone experiencing issues with addiction, criminality or mental health issues. The charity treats everyone as individuals, working with them so they can continue their journey which may be back into housing or employment.

Shekinah’s Community, Events and Enterprise Manager, Andy Kebby said: “Anyone accessing our services at the Drop In Centre will get support with benefit and debt advice, housing support and advice, access to health professionals such as GPs, mental health workers and support with addiction or criminality.

“We also have a team of Navigators who work with a caseload of people to help them back into their own accommodation, which runs a 7 day a week support service.” 

Shekinah receives very little funding to keep the Drop In open, relying on the generosity of businesses and members of the public to raise funds or donate money so the charity can continue to help people who really need it the most.

“The support from all the team at Otter Garden Centre at Plymouth has been amazing; the company has been very generous as they also donated tools and raffle prizes throughout the year which helped us a great deal,” added Andy.

The garden centre’s charity this year is the RNLI, as chosen by the staff keen to support a charity with relevance to the coastal area they live and work in.

To find out more about Shekinah:  shekinah.co.uk