British singer songwriter, producer and
philanthropist and new Crisis Ambassador, Ellie Goulding, is
leading a host of celebrities in a call to the British public to
help provide support to people experiencing homelessness this
Christmas, and all year round.
In a new short film, Ellie is joined by actors
Jonathan Pryce, Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter and presenters Nihal
Arthanayake, Lorraine Kelly and Ayo Akinwolere as they discuss
their most cherished Christmas gift. Some of the gifts they
reminisce about include a pair of tiny black patent shoes that
Imelda received, a racing car game for Nihal and his brother,
while Jonathan Pryce recalls a very special early Christmas
present! The film highlights the importance of being able to
share the festive season with loved ones, and how this simply
isn’t the case for one in four people who are homeless, who spend
Christmas alone.
Ellie is also becoming a Crisis Ambassador, after
supporting the charity for many years and volunteering at the
charity’s Christmas centres since 2015. As an Ambassador, Ellie
will play a key role in supporting Crisis’ campaigning and
fundraising to help the charity in its mission to end
homelessness for good. As well as hosting this year’s film, Ellie
will also be lending her Instagram account for the latest in her
‘Pass the Mic’ series, where she’ll speak with Crisis’ chief
executive Jon Sparkes, and Laura, who recently experienced
homelessness and has accessed Crisis’ year-round
support.
The stars are supporting national homelessness
charity Crisis as it prepares to open its Christmas services this
year to provide food, accommodation and companionship to people
facing homelessness across Britain at one of the toughest times
of the year.
Now in their 49th year, Crisis’ Christmas
services will be different this year because of coronavirus. From
21st December, Crisis has booked out hotels across
London for a two-week period, providing guests with their own
room, bathroom facilities and three meals a day so they have
somewhere safe and secure to spend Christmas. The hotels will
open to people who have been referred to Crisis and would
otherwise be sleeping on the streets.
With one in four people experiencing homelessness
predicted to spend Christmas alone this year, Crisis is calling
on the public to give the gift of a Crisis Christmas to someone
experiencing homelessness by donating £28.22.
Ellie Goulding said: “Christmas is
supposed to be one of the most magical times of year, but sadly
for thousands of people who are experiencing homelessness, this
isn’t the case. I have a longstanding relationship with Crisis
and have been passionate about our need to end homelessness for
many years. I’m delighted to announce that I’ve been appointed an
Ambassador for Crisis, and to be supporting this year’s Christmas
campaign. This year, more than ever, Crisis needs your support to
make sure people experiencing homelessness can access warmth,
food and support to leave homelessness behind for
good.”
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis,
said: “We’re delighted to announce that Ellie has become
an Ambassador, and that she’ll be working with us and our
brilliant celebrity supporters this Christmas, helping us to
raise awareness of Crisis’ work at Christmas and all year round
so that we can continue to be there for people experiencing
homelessness.
“No one should have to spend Christmas homeless and
alone. We’ll be doing all we can to make sure no one is alone
across Great Britain, from providing accommodation to delivering
food to those who need it. Please support Crisis this year and
donate what you can.”