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Cross Keys Homes (CKH) is celebrating kindness this Christmas by distributing gifts to ‘good neighbours’ and donating to three charities providing essential support to local people. A total of £1,500 is being donated on behalf of CKH residents who nominated neighbours to be recognised for good deeds as part of the housing association’s ‘Good Neighbour Rewards’ initiative. The money will be split equally between The Trussell Trust, Little Miracles and The Garden House, all of whom have provided support to CKH residents during the Covid crisis.

The organisation’s ‘Good Neighbour Rewards’ brought to light many heart-warming stories of kindness and generosity after CKH Residents were asked to nominate people who chose to spend their time supporting others this year. Ultimately, CKH recognised 55 local residents who were singled out by their neighbours for making a difference within their community. Reasons for nominations ranged from volunteering to deliver food parcels and prepare home cooked meals, to simply offering emotional support during the challenges of lockdown.

The initiative was kindly sponsored by Mears Group, CKH’s housing maintenance contractors, who made it possible to reward these ‘good neighbours’ and make such a substantial charitable donation on their behalf.

CKH Chief Executive, Claire Higgins, said:  “Congratulations must go to all the worthy good neighbours we recognised this year.  It’s fantastic to be able to acknowledge so many of our residents for their hard work and commitment to making a positive difference during such testing times.

“It’s been an exceptional year and a challenging period for all, but being able share a little kindness and support organisations which have made a big difference this year is wonderful.”

Mears also donated a further £700 to buy gifts for people who will be spending Christmas in CKH’s Short Stay Accommodation. CKH provide more than 160 homes within Peterborough for families and individuals who have lost their homes.  Santa Claus will be helping to spread a little joy by delivering these gifts just in time for Christmas.

Gary Gibbs, General Manager of Mears said: “It has been a real pleasure to support the Cross Keys Homes Good Neighbour Rewards and provide donations to those in need this Christmas. As we all know this has been a very tough year and to see so many acts of kindness really shows that our local community in Peterborough has risen to the challenge.

“We also know that Christmas can be a difficult time for many, I wanted the Mears team to send a small gift to those who might have less to let them know that they are not alone. 

“All of our operatives live in this community, so it matters to us on a personal as well as a professional level. On behalf of Mears we wish everyone a very happy Christmas.”

While 2020 is drawing to its end, CKH’s focus on kindness is set to continue. Their Be Kind fund is still available to support residents who are struggling with the impact of Covid-19. Over the last nine months, the organisation has supported more than 1,000 residents with requests ranging from white goods to well-being products. The Be Kind fund is available to support any CKH resident. Requests can be made online at www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk/be-kind.