The Railway Benefit Fund is trying to achieve a target of £40,000 in order to support railway people and their families, a good number of which potentially face losing their homes as the cost of living crisis continues.

The charity has financially supported approximately 1,000 families of which more than 40% were at risk of losing their homes as bills grow at an alarming rate alongside the cost of living crisis.

Gateline Assistant Jack had to live in his van after his marriage breakup and was able to get support from the Railway Benefit Fund which was able to provide him with a month’s rent alongside the deposit for a flat and now has a home for Christmas.

Jack said: “I was living in my van following the breakdown of my relationship which then led to mental health issues and having to take time off work. I desperately needed to find somewhere to live so I could get back to work and spend time with my children. Thanks to RBF I now have a room and a safe place to see my kids. It has been a really tough few months but I’m glad to say that things are starting to look better for me.”

Donating to the Railway Benefit Fund really will make a difference this Christmas:

• A donation of £25 would cover the cost of operating its helpline for an hour which gives advice and supports those who face homelessness.
• A donation of £50 would cover the cost of heating a family’s home for a week providing respite from spiralling bills as we head into the festive season with its extra costs.

The Railway Benefit Fund wishes to encourage companies and individuals to get fundraising this year in order to raise funding for its Christmas Appeal.

There are plenty of ways to support the charity including hosting a Christmas jumper day at work, holding a raffle at a Christmas event or taking part in a challenge to raise funds via sponsorship.

The charity’s Christmas Shop is also selling a number of festive items including two brand new card designs and its 2023 Calendar ‘Rail Moments in History’. When buying online, an option to ‘Give a Gift’ allows customers to add a donation between £5 and £50 to support the festive fundraising. All sales from the Railway Benefit Fund Christmas Shop will go to support the Railway Family.

The charity relies on donations from its supporters all of which are directed to welfare and crisis needs for people working in rail. Donating, fundraising or shopping with the charity this Christmas will go on to make a huge difference to rail families this Christmas.

To make a donation to the Christmas Appeal, please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ahomeforchristmas