Nearly 90 gifted families and struggling group relocations, the Watford family
A struggling family who lived in “dangerous” conditions in a council house has been temporarily relocated thanks to a charity group helping people over Christmas.
In fact, nearly 90 families in Watford received hundreds of gifts as part of an annual campaign to support struggling families this Christmas.
Fashion designer and former footballer Marvin Morgan, who died in early December, created a figurative ‘last wish’ video calling on the community to support the families of Watford by donating various goods.
Last Christmas, Fresh Ego FC, a charity football club started by Morgan, partnered with Xtra Time Sports & Childcare and notable members of the community to raise £ 2,000 of food and toys for 35 families.
This year the group was able to raise £ 6,000 and provided food and essentials, cleaning supplies and a range of gifts to brighten up Christmas to nearly 90 struggling households.
Nearly 90 families were fed and received Christmas gifts
While monitoring the countryside, the team encountered a family with two children and a baby who lived on the “dangerous” communal property.
Winston Davis, one of the project’s leading members, said there were loose power cables, windows hanging down and traces of asbestos.
A family lived in social housing with limited furniture and in a “dangerous” state
He explained, “Not only were we able to contact the council and get them temporary accommodation, but the community provided all the furniture, baby essentials, then a Christmas tree and complete gifts for the whole family. ”
A video was posted on social media showing the conditions the family were facing, calling on people to send various goods to help the family.
Mr Davis said: “This particular family has broken my heart and I feel so honored to know that we have been able to change their lives in such fundamental ways, primarily through the use of social media.”
A family lived in social housing with limited furniture and in a “dangerous” state
With the support of Puma and Xbox, many families also received gifts including football boots, Xbox consoles, Fresh Ego Kid branded clothing and other surprises as well as food and essentials.
A family member who received the care kit said it was “beyond gratitude” to see the various pieces of food, a fresh turkey for Christmas and a Christmas present for the children.
Mr Davis said: “I cannot tell you how many people cried tears as they thanked the drivers.”
Nearly 90 families were fed and received Christmas gifts
Speaking of Morgan’s death, Mr Davis said: “This year has been so much more difficult, not only because of more families, but because of the sad passing of Marvin.
“We wanted to make it even more successful because of it. His energy, drive and commitment were contagious. If he was doing anything, it had to be done right, including this.
“It was all about community and giving back. His partner and mother both came down to the center while we were packing and we just hope we made him proud.