Warm Up London
Today it snowed in London.
And while half of me was elated that my snow dance had been successful and it suddenly felt completely legitimate to play ‘Let it Snow’ on my record player again, the other half was sombre at the thought of all those without homes, shelter and hot meals.
It seems unbelievable that beautiful, peaceful snow, which brings such joy to so many, carries with it so much hardship and struggle for so many others.
How would they cope now?
“Snow and freezing conditions can prove fatal for anyone sleeping on the streets. Tragically, the average age of death for a homeless person is just 47.”
John Sparkes – Chief Executive of Crisis
(The Independent, 5th Jan 2017)
Every day, I pass somewhere between two and ten homeless people, depending on whereabouts in London I’ve travelled to.
I want to do something and I’ve had an idea. It’s a small idea, but it has the capacity to save lives. And if you like my idea, maybe you’ll do it too.
A HOT WATER BOTTLE IS A PORTABLE, REUSABLE, INEXPENSIVE SOURCE OF HEAT
Before Christmas I gave a local homeless man a hot water bottle. I gave it to him full of hot water, explained to him that it was refillable and pointed to a cafe across the street from him, which had pledged to fill it up for him whenever he needed it.
He was extremely grateful. And he is still using it 6 weeks later.
I have since given away a few more hot water bottles, whenever I can afford it. Each time, I have been able to secure a Refill Pledge from a local cafe (some have been independents and some, large chains), so that I can deliver the hot water bottle with a clear invitation and free pass for hot water refills, whenever they need it.
I announced my idea on insta stories, to see if this was something people might want to get on board with, and the response was extraordinary. Which led me to think that perhaps this hasn’t occurred to many people… and so I am writing this.
Charities supporting the homeless are doing extraordinary things, but they are on their knees. They are drastically under-funded, and the homelessness problem is bigger than ever.
This is something that we need to do ourselves. And we can do this.
If we all give away one hot water bottle, we’ll be making an important difference.
And saving actual lives.
This is a call to action.
Please help me #WarmUpLondon
HOW TO #WARMUPLONDON
1.
Buy a hot water bottle. (If you want to buy online, I’ve included a link to one below – this is an affiliate link, which means I’ll receive a small commission on the sale. All money I receive from this product will go directly to Crisis)
2.
Find a cafe/restaurant/chicken shop/pub close to the homeless person you intend to gift, and ask them to make a Refill Pledge
3.
Give the homeless person the hot water bottle, explaining that it’s refillable (you might think this is obvious, but it isn’t to some) and tell them where they can refill it.
If you would like to help spread the word, please share on social media using the hashtag #WarmUpLondon. Thank you.
Steph
This is a great initiative, thanks for sharing, I’ll definitely be partaking. I see so many homeless people in London and never know how to help, so this is a good start. Steph x
http://www.stephstyle.com
Malia
Thanks for posting this! I don’t live in London, but there is a significant homelessness problem here in DC too, and I am wondering whether this idea could not also put into play here.
Nikki
great Idea Poppy!! will pass it on 🙂
Tina
What a kind act to do and such a simple and good idea. It’s inspirational as there are many homeless people who just need an act of kindness and help from people like you. Tina xx
Mel
Love this! What a great idea xx
Clorinda Prina
I think your hot water bottle idea is great and i intend to get on board too!
Clorinda Prina
Great idea. I’m definitely on board!