As families across Herefordshire face increasing pressure, a series of quiet but meaningful acts of generosity by businesses and individuals are helping to support those most in need through our charity, Vennture.

With demand for emergency accommodation and family support services remaining high over the winter period, we were delighted to receive donations that directly help vulnerable children and parents.

One of the contributions came from the Hereford Primark team, who selected Vennture as their charity of choice and donated 36 Christmas parcels. The parcels went to households supported through our emergency accommodation and family programmes. Christmas hampers and Christmas food were donated by faith groups, including Hereford Baptist Church and The Living Hope.

Support also came from a Hereford family, who gave us Christmas presents to pass on to children and young people. Each year, the family selects a cause to help, and this year, it was Vennture. (Family member, Kai, 10, pictured with part of their donation)

A charity quiz, held by Galileo Event Solutions before Christmas, with raffle prizes from 16 businesses and organisations, raised £671 for our year-round Street Presence team. The money will support our volunteers who provide a reassuring presence on the streets of Hereford during busy weekend nights.

We also received an unexpected £500 donation from Platform Housing, a national non-profit housing association with affordable homes in Herefordshire. The donation will help us continue our work supporting families experiencing crisis and instability.

Over a six-week period ending on 31 December, online donations direct to Vennture totalled over £2,300 (and counting). This included contributions from Hereford Times readers in support of the paper’s Christmas appeal for Vennture.

While the donations varied in size and source, they were united by the same purpose: practical kindness, directed exactly where it is needed by businesses and people.

Thanks to all those who provide regular donations, which give our charity stability to plan for the future.

We welcome support from businesses and individuals—through partnerships, donations, volunteering, or fundraising—to help strengthen families and transform communities.