HULL & Humber KC Cares business partners have donated over £1,000 worth of toiletries for women’s refuges in the Hull and Humber region.

Kingston Communications (KC), PricewaterhouseCoopers, Yorkshire Bank and Associated British Ports (ABP) are partners of Hull & Humber KC Cares, Business in the Community’s national volunteering programme. They asked their staff to donate toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, for the region’s three women’s shelters.

The refuges, Women’s Aid Hull, Hull DAP (Domestic Abuse Partnership) and Women’s Aid Grimsby, provide emergency and ongoing accommodation and support to women who are fleeing domestic violence. They and their children often arrive at a refuge with few or no belongings, and find something as basic as a toiletries pack a huge benefit.

Tessa Wray, Hull & Humber KC Cares Co-ordinator said: “We would like to thank all of our business partners and their employees for their support of this appeal. Toiletries are often taken for granted but, such simple items are gratefully welcomed by the women and children who enter the region’s refuges. This collection demonstrates the positive effect that the Hull & Humber KC Cares business partners have, and how important business support is in supporting our local communities.”

Set up in 1974, Women's Aid is the national domestic violence charity that helps up to 250,000 women and children every year nationwide, working to end violence against those who are in difficult situations. The charity places women and children in a safe place, give them counselling and help them build a new life away from abuse.

Alex Carling, Children and Young People's Support Worker and Fundraiser at Hull Women's Aid said: “On behalf of the staff, women and children at Hull Women's Aid I would like to say thank you to Hull & Humber KC Cares for their toiletries donation. Throughout the year we rely heavily on the generosity of the local community and businesses to supply the refuge with essentials such as toiletries and clothes.

“Quite often, women and children come into the refuge with no belongings due to the circumstances in which they vacated their property. Thanks to organisations like Hull & Humber KC Cares, and those that participated in their collection, we are able to supply them with food, toiletries and clothes. Their donation plays a crucial part in part in the service we provide, thank you for your thoughts and kindness.”

To find out more about how to get involved in the Hull & Humber KC Cares programme please call Tessa Wray, Business and Community Co-ordinator on (01482) 638610 or email:  tessa.wray@bitc.org.uk