Press Release

Generous supporters dig deep for Alabaré

Wallets across South Wiltshire and West Hampshire got hammered over the weekend - Spire FM held its annual on air auction raising almost £9000 for Alabaré.

The Salisbury-based homeless charity has been named as the station’s Chosen Charity for 2008.

Between them, Alabaré and Spire FM managed to secure over 100 impressive lots, which then went under the hammer live on air on Sunday 30th March.  Amongst them was an England football signed by the Match of the Day team, a day of sailing for four people on a yacht in the Solent and the use of a classic MGB for two days.

The station’s phone lines and website were inundated with generous bids and the office was a hive of activity, with both Alabaré and Spire FM staff manning the phones and making sure as many bids were taken as possible.

The money raised will go towards Alabaré’s Salisbury Drop In Centre.  The Salisbury Drop In Centre, which is based in the Friary Community Centre in Carmelite Way, provides a warm and welcoming safe daytime shelter to homeless and vulnerable adults in the area.  It opens its doors three days a week (11am – 3pm Mon, Fri and Sun) offering hot food and drink, showers, laundry facilities, a clothing exchange service and advice and guidance on issues like housing, employment and benefits.

Alabaré Chief Executive Andrew Lord, who was there taking phone bids on the day, said “I am delighted that the auction was such a huge success; it was the result of a lot of hard work from all involved, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable day and the results speak for themselves.  The money raised will make a huge difference to the lives of the people who use the Salisbury Drop In Centre.”

He added “I would like to say a huge thank you to Spire FM, Red Dragon IT and to those who so generously donated lots.  I also want to say a massive thank you to all of those who gave up their time to help make the day the success that it was.  Finally thank you to each and every person who logged on or picked up the phone to place a bid, your support is very much appreciated.”

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For more information or to arrange an interview call Lara Higgins on 01722 344484

Alabaré Christian Care Centres is a regional charity, providing a range of services including supported housing, floating support services, drop-in centres, information, advice and training services and a registered care home.  The charity works with the homeless, ex-offenders, young people, individuals with a learning difficulty, vulnerable women and people with drug and alcohol problems, aiming to assist them with realising their potential and becoming valued members of society.  www.alabare.co.uk