A READING based homeless charity is to receive a donation of £5,000 to help support their work.

New Beginnings has been chosen by Reading-based employees at Mondelēz International to receive the donation.

Dedicated to supporting local people in need, the charity will be granted the money from The Cadbury Foundation, as part of its ‘Your Charity Your Choice’ scheme.

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From assisting individuals who need somewhere warm to sleep, food, drink and essential items, as well as offering support to those who need help integrating into society, New Beginnings provides invaluable services to the local community.

The charity is currently supporting up to 20 families each week at its After School Café and 70 individuals per afternoon at its Community Fridge and Free Café.

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The £5,000 donation will contribute towards the running costs of the Queens Arms, the head office for the charity, which helps to deliver services to those experiencing homelessness, poverty and hardship in Reading.

Each year, the company’s UK employees are invited to nominate wellbeing-related charities or projects close to their hearts, with the final shortlisted charities voted for by the wider work force.

Sarah Reano, consumer science technician at the RSSL site in Reading, nominated the charity to receive the £5,000 bursary.

Sarah said: “Last summer our team volunteered at New Beginnings for the day to help organise clothing donations.

“We learnt all about the charity’s ethos and the incredible work they do within our local community, so nominated them for the grant so that they can continue in the amazing work that they do.”

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Grace Gomez, chairperson at New Beginnings, added: “Being awarded this donation from The Cadbury Foundation means so much to our charity.

"The generous contribution will help us to continue to provide living essentials for those who need our support in the Reading community.”

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The Cadbury Foundation, which is celebrating its 85th birthday this year, was set up in 1935 in recognition of Richard and George Cadbury and their investment in the welfare of their employees and the local community.

Across all Mondelēz International UK sites, £90,000 will be pledged for the ‘Your Charity Your Choice’ campaign.

Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelēz International, said: “We’re extremely proud to be able to support the charities that are important to our employees through our ‘Your Charity Your Choice’ scheme.

“New Beginnings provides an invaluable service to those in need in Reading, and we’re delighted to know that with The Cadbury Foundation’s help, they can continue providing vital help to their local community.”