Agent to give up his own Christmas to help the homeless

For the fourth year running, an estate agent will sacrifice his own Christmas celebrations to volunteer at London's homeless charity, Crisis.

Every year, ten Crisis centres across the capital open their doors between December 22 and 30 to support the homeless and vulnerably housed.

Ben Wilson, a senior sales negotiator at Marsh & Parsons, who will be based at the Hammersmith centre, will ensure that those who pass through the doors receive hot meals, health checks, clean clothes, a haircut and a bed for the night.

Wilson said: “I decided to start volunteering for Crisis because I find it shocking that such a wealthy and developed capital like London can have so many thousands of homeless people.

“I wanted to show my support during what is for many an incredibly lonely time of year. I really felt I was making a difference to so many people and that’s why it will be the fourth year I’ve been involved.”

Touched by his commitment to such a worthy cause, Marsh & Parsons showed its support to the local homeless community last year by encouraging all 300 of its employees to donate food and clothes to a charity box held within every office.

Marsh & Parsons are doing the same again this year throughout December in a bid to collect even more on behalf of Crisis.

Peter Rollings, CEO, said: “As soon as I heard Ben’s story, I wanted to show my support. There are not many people who would give up such a precious time of the year, and with so much compassion.

“I hope that the donations given by our employees will go in some way to help with such a worthwhile project.”