Community 10k event at St George's Crypt

As part of the Community 10k initiative, a small group from the Leeds BA Community spent the day volunteering at St George’s Crypt. This is a Leeds city centre based charity providing a safe and comfortable place for the homeless, vulnerable adults and those suffering from addiction to rest, eat and be clothed.  It serves over 200 people each day at an annual cost of £1.8 million, with two-thirds of that amount gathered from fund-raising and donations.

On arrival we were given a tour of the building, a brief history of the charity and details of the different and supportive ways they are helping those in need.  After our induction we were all eager to get to work and make a difference during our day there.  We split into 3 different groups, working together in various parts of the building.

The housekeeping group worked incredibly hard: stripping beds, mopping floors, making all windows and glass sparkle and gleam, along with washing and drying bedding.  Not the most glamorous of jobs, but vital for the smooth running of the Crypt.  

Another group were kept extremely busy during the morning making tea and coffee for those coming in from the cold (not missing an opportunity to streamline the brew making process - to increase efficiency!)  Then on to deep cleaning the kitchen area during the afternoon, which involved lots of elbow grease and scrubbing!

The third group worked collaboratively, analysing non-perishable food produce in the somewhat cosy and windowless store cupboard, rotating stock and discarding unsuitable products (adding additional value by collating items fast approaching their use by date – for staff to use first). They also served food to those in need during the hectic lunch period. 

A thoroughly rewarding albeit physically demanding day.  It was fantastic to see everybody getting stuck in and doing whatever was asked of them.  We even found opportunities to put into practise some BA techniques and a number of us even learned new skills (Gary – we were all impressed by your new found talent for polishing glass…..not a smear in sight!)

Wanting to do more to help, back at the office we organised a raffle – with the generous folk in Leeds One helping us to raise an impressive £283!  If you would like to make a donation or learn more about this charity, please see St George’s Crypt website.