Businesses in Holbeck Urban Village have donated over 100 presents to women and children fleeing domestic violence this Christmas.
Lisa Ellen Riley who works in the reception at Marshall’s Mill organised the collection for women and children at Leeds Women’s Aid after a successful collection at Easter. Businesses responded magnificently to the call creating a huge pile of presents around the Christmas tree in the building’s entrance. As well as toys, pyjamas, onesies and toiletries were donated.
“We chose to collect for Leeds Women’s Aid because as one of the smaller charities, they often get forgotten about. When I rang the hospitals they admitted getting inundated with gifts for the children there” explained Lisa Ellen.
“When women and children arrive at the refuge they usually have very little in the way of possessions and are effectively homeless.”
Lisa Ellen said she is keen to put something back into society by helping those less fortunate than herself having been supported by charities through spells of ill health as a child.
Chief Executive of Leeds Women’s Aid, Kate Bratt-Farrar, said:
“Christmas in the refuge can be a lonely time for the women away from family and friends. This generous donation of gifts will be welcome and appreciated in safe-houses across Leeds.”
Marshall’s Mill was originally built in 1815 by one of the pioneers of the industrial revolution, John Marshall, to spin flax. The Grade II* listed building was redeveloped into office accommodation in the 1990s and is managed as part of the Round Foundry Media Centre.
