News reports located on this page = 2.

Kleenex® partners with In Kind Direct to help Merseyside charities keep people safe this winter

AS the country continues to deal with the impact of the Coronavirus, a new survey from In Kind Direct has found that 76% of responding charities believe the people they help have become more vulnerable since March 2020. Add to this, the fact that many charities currently feel the biggest challenge facing them is how to keep the hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people they help clean and safe this winter, and the scale of the problem becomes clear. Not to mention the added concern of keeping charities' staff and volunteers safe so these vital community efforts can continue.

That's why Kleenex® 1 of the UK's largest household names, is today announcing it will donate 250,000 of its new hygiene face masks to support these organisations in their vital work. Ensuring everyone can access the elevated standard of hygiene that is required, and recommended, in the current environment. The donation, which will see Kleenex® hygiene face masks distributed across thousands of In Kind Direct's charity partners, covering a wide range of causes across the UK such as food banks and community centres, is just the latest example of how Kimberly Clark has supported the most vulnerable within society, in what has been a turbulent year for many.

2 of the charities receiving the donation are Merseyside based Bee Wirral CIC and Neighbourhood Food Larder. The 2 charities offer essential services to the local community, with Bee Wirral providing a range of community support services, from nursery day care to help for victims of domestic violence, and Neighbourhood Food Larder providing food banks and delivery services for those who can't otherwise get access to food. The Region has been particularly hard hit by the Pandemic, meaning it is more important than ever that both staff and visitors feel safe this winter.

Ori Ben Shai, MD and VP Kimberly Clark in the UK and Ireland said:- "In these challenging times for families across the country, we believe it important to show a little kindness, and encourage everyone to come together and help those more vulnerable than ourselves. We have seen 1sthand the difference charities can make on the day to day lives of those in need through our work with In Kind Direct and we're proud to be partnering with them once again. Our hygiene face masks have been developed directly in response to the Pandemic as part the new Kleenex® Proactive Care range of products. With consumer hygiene habits rapidly changing, we are proud to be able to work with In Kind Direct to help these brilliant charities keep vulnerable communities clean and safe this winter."

Rosanne Gray, CEO of In Kind Direct said:- "The need to stay safe, clean and well has never been more important. This year, more people are struggling to access the essentials like hygiene products, laundry and cleaning supplies, with more than half of charities responding to our recent survey saying people have struggled to access essential products in the last few months alone. Going hungry, or with unwashed clothes is a reality for too many, which dramatically affects self esteem, wellbeing and place in society. Sadly, this situation will only worsen in the coming months as more households manage tighter budgets. By working closely with our corporate partners, we want to ensure that no one has to go without those essentials or just make do. Kleenex's generous donation will go a long way in helping local charities and community groups across the UK to keep supporting their communities during this unprecedented crisis. We are very grateful for their longstanding support."

Committed to ensuring everyone in society has access to life's essentials, the announcement coincides with the new Kleenex® Proactive Care™ range being available in major retailers across the UK. Comprising of hygiene face masks, antibacterial hand gel, antibacterial wipes and hygiene hand towels, the range harnesses and builds on Kleenex's 95 year heritage to help consumers fulfil their elevated hygiene needs whether at home or out in public. For more information please visit:- Kleenex.Co.UK.

The perfect Christmas gift for plant lovers that also raises funds for rare disease charity, the Huntington's Disease Association

THE Huntington's Disease Association and Marshalls Garden have joined forces to offer the perfect Christmas gift for plant lovers everywhere. This beautiful Hercules amaryllis bulb pack has been developed by Marshalls Garden with all proceeds from sales supporting the work of the Huntington's Disease Association.

The "grow your own" amaryllis kit contains everything you need for your Hercules amaryllis to bloom. Named after the revered hero, Hercules, from Greek mythology, this amaryllis was specially chosen to represent the strength and resilience of the Huntington's community day in and day out. You can support people affected by Huntington's disease with every purchase of the Hercules Amaryllis. The beautiful bright salmon-pink indoor flower will add a splash of welcome colour to your home into the New Year.

To guarantee delivery of your own amaryllis kit for Christmas, visit the Marshalls Garden's website today to purchase your Hercules Amaryllis bulb pack for just ₤14.99 each or use the code HERC20 for our special two for ₤20 deal. You will receive your amaryllis bulb with compost and a decorative pot. Displaying this beautiful flower in your home will show solidarity with the Huntington's community, representing their strength in the face of Huntington's disease while raising much needed funds for the charity.

Huntington's disease is a rare neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system and is caused by a faulty gene passed down through families. Described as having motor neurone disease, schizophrenia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease simultaneously, Huntington's causes changes in the brain affecting movement, feelings, thinking, eating and speech. There are around 8000 people in the UK with Huntington's and around 32,000 people at risk of developing the disease.

Joanne Dobbie, Head of Fundraising at the Huntington's Disease Association said:- "We are excited to be working together with Marshalls Garden to bring the beautiful Hercules Amaryllis kit to our supporters. The money raised from sales of this exclusive ideal Christmas gift will help people affected by Huntington's disease access the information and support they need to live with this challenging disease."

Huntington's disease is rare and devastates families. Covid19 has had a dramatic effect on our fundraising efforts and is threatening our ability to help and care for those affected by the disease. Campaigns like this help us provide essential services to people who are affected by Huntington's, acting as a lifeline in times of need.  Please purchase an amaryllis or donate today.