Stourbridge charity launches appeal to find new premises

Vi Wood has been running Leslie’s Care Packages for the last five years - since the death of her beloved husband Leslie in August 2016.

In her time of grief she also found herself at risk of losing her home and realised how easy it is for people to fall on hard times.

The experience prompted her to start her own charitable scheme - giving packages to the homeless or people in need - and it has grown and grown ever since, with German-born Vi finding herself inundated with requests for help.

Vi Wood

For the last three years she’s been operating from a base in Kempton Way, Norton, but Vi said the room she was using is no longer viable, due to unforeseen circumstances, so she needs to find new premises.

She said: "If anyone can think of anywhere local and similar for free or very cheap that would be great, maybe a local business has some spare room such as an office or unit. Maybe there is a business who would be able to sponsor us.

"I do not have funds for paying for a lease or high rents. Any money donated is for essentials only

"I hope I can find something very soon - otherwise I am afraid to say that many, many people will lose out on vital support from LCP and its supporters, as I may be restricted on what referrals I can accept."

Vi Wood - founder of Leslie's Care Packages giving out vital supplies to help people in need

Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb has praised Vi’s work in the community - describing it as a "wonderful organisation" - and she said she hoped it would be able to find a new base to continue its important work.

Anyone able to help can contact Vi via facebook.com/Leslies/Care/Packages or email vi@lesliescarepackages.org.