Crisis to launch choral-themed Christmas appeal

LONDON - Homeless charity Crisis is launching a Christmas campaign aiming to raise 拢1m for people living on the UK's streets, by encouraging businesses to donate money they would normally spend on festive cards in exchange for a virtual greeting.

The campaign, which will feature homeless singers in a festive-themed choral video e-greeting, is an environmentally friendly alternative to sending cards, which will also benefit the UK's homeless population over the Christmas period.

Crisis has also planned a scheme where businesses can make an request for a chamber choir of homeless singers to perform at Christmas parties, in the run up to the festive season.

In addition, the charity plans a series of two-page ads in worldwide editions of the FT and on to thank donors for supporting Crisis's work.

The organisation said the campaign would help fund its Crisis Open Christmas centres across the country, which provide the homeless with shelter and companionship over a period that can be a "lonely and isolating time".

Last year's campaign raised over £800,000 towards Crisis's work, and involved 114 companies donating the equivalent cost of more than 150,000 Christmas cards to the appeal.

Simon Haslam, chief administrative officer at Fidelity International, one of last year's participating businesses, said: "[The service] saves time, is environmentally friendly but most importantly, it supports homeless people by developing their skills and employment prospects through the Crisis Open Christmas Project."