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Wear your slippers to work

PEOPLE across the city are being asked to kick off their work shoes and snuggle into their slippers on 9 December to raise money in support of homeless families. This year there are 91 children homeless in temporary accommodation in Merseyside this Christmas. Shelter is calling on local businesses and community groups to take part in this fun and easy fundraiser and support the charity's work in the area. The housing and homelessness charity, which turns 50 this December, first opened its Merseyside service over 46 years ago and has been helping those facing bad housing and homelessness in the City ever since. In the past year alone, the service offered advice, support and guidance to almost 6,000 local residents.  As well as wearing your slippers for a small donation, businesses are encouraged to take part in other fundraising activities on the day, such as bake sales, raffles and office slipper catwalks. Already taking part is the One Show's Alex Jones, who has slipped on some festive footwear to show her support.  Shelter is keen to hear from everyone taking part; share your photos and stories on social media with #slippersforshelter or via email.  Jo Cutler, Shelter Merseyside hub manager, said:- "One child in Merseyside waking up homeless this Christmas morning is heartbreaking enough, let alone 91. But even after 46 years working in Merseyside, too many families still need our help. That's why we're hugely grateful to anyone who wears their slippers to work this Christmas; especially if they can convince the rest of the office to take part as well. Through something as easy as putting on a pair slippers, together we can make a difference to the lives of hundreds of local people. Every penny raised will go towards making sure that we can continue to be there for every family who needs us."

TV presenter Alex Jones said:- "Every child deserves a place to call home. A home that's warm, safe and stable, where they can learn and play, grow and thrive. But sadly this Christmas, over 120,000 children in Britain will wake up homeless. No parent ever wants to go through the heartbreak of seeing their child spending Christmas in a cramped and dingy hostel.  Together we can make a difference. Step into Christmas with Slippers for Shelter by going to work, school, or even down to the shops in your slippers on Monday 9 December and donating £3 to Shelter. Your feet will be toasty, but most importantly you'll be helping Shelter to be there for the thousands of homelessness families who'll need them this Christmas."

To find out more about how to sign up for Slippers for Shelter, and give your support to Shelter's Emergency Christmas Appeal's website. Anyone living in Merseyside can get free and expert housing can get advice online, or by calling Shelter's Sheffield helpline on:- 0344 515 1900 for more information or to set up a face to face appointment.