Rap Interiors’ #Care4Christmas 2021 Campaign Begins

This year, Rap Interiors Design Director Julie Anderson and a network of senior female business leaders are raising money to help families who suffer from domestic abuse. Their goal is to raise £20,000 by 20^th December – just in time for Christmas 2021.

The other women behind this fantastic initiative are Jan (Rift), Lyndsey (Gallaghers), Mei-Ling (Brachers), Anita (Family Business Place), Claire (Spatial Dimensions), Josephine (Kent Community Foundation), Dina [CAF Bank), Sally (Baldwin’s Travel) and Emma (Global).

The ladies will be liaising with four charities that help victims of domestic abuse. These include Rising Sun, Oasis Refuge Support, Dogs Trust and NSPCC Medway. They have also teamed up with Kent Community Foundation to ensure the donations will be distributed accordingly.

What the Stats say

Sadly, the statistics make for difficult reading. Here are a few facts, which suggest that domestic abuse has increased during the pandemic:

• Over the last 18 months, there has been a reported 50% rise in domestic abuse in Kent alone. During that time, charities supported over 1,000 families across Kent and Medway, with 1874 children associated with those adults.
• There are currently over 200 children in Kent waiting for mentoring for psychological help relating to domestic abuse.
• Two women a week are being killed through domestic abuse.

How to Donate

Julie, Rap Interiors and everyone involved are dedicated to making a real difference to the lives of those who suffer at the hands of domestic abuse.  They would be truly grateful if you could contribute too and be part of this fantastic campaign. Here’s how you can help:

Money Donation: If you would like to make a donation, visit the Kent Care for Christmas website here: https://kentcf.org.uk/give/care-for-christmas-appeal

Donating Items: Alternatively, if you would like to drop off gifts and useful items, you can do so via designated drop off points listed in our Freedom From Abuse Campaign Blog

What the Donations Can Be Used for

• £15 could pay for a set of pyjamas and underwear for a child who has fled violence.
• £20 can buy a set of plates, bowls and cutlery for a young mum moving in/out of sheltered accommodation.
• £30 could provide an hour of counselling for a child or mother to help deal with their trauma.
• £40 will pay for the costs of fostering a dog for a month.
• £50 can buy arts and crafts needed for one of our children’s recovery programmes or a kitchen starter kit for a family resettling from refuge.
• £100 can fund a fun day out for children and young people who have lived with domestic abuse or a pre-loved bed and new mattress for a client resettling.
• £150 could pay for 10 hours of counselling to help someone recover from the trauma they’ve experienced.

Like Live Music? Get a Ticket for Rap’s #Care4Christmas Fundraising Event

To kick off the mission, Rap and BITA are running a live music event. If you fancy joining them for a night of fun and music, here are the details:

• The gig will be held at The Hive in Edenwood, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7EZ
• Live Music by Trackdogs plus support
• 20^th November 2021
• 7:30pm – 11pm
• Tickets £15 – You can’t go wrong!
• Please visit the BITA website to secure your ticket here: https://bita.ie/events/evening-of-live-music-from-trackdogs.html

Once again if you would like to donate, please visit the Kent Care for Christmas website, or for more information on how to get involved please email julie@rapinteriors.co.uk.