Don’t forget the marginalized – Lord Hope speaks out

Launching the 2008 Christmas Appeal for St George's Crypt in Leeds, of which he is Patron, Lord Hope said that people's generosity, even in financially demanding times, were a lifeline to many.  

"The current economic conditions present major new challenges for all of us." he says in an open letter to supporters of the Crypt - one of the major services in the North of England offering services to homeless people.   "Many people are victims of circumstances resulting in them losing control and direction and sense of purpose in their lives. Many have become trapped in a cycle of homelessness, addiction, the criminal justice system and increasingly poor health."  

Lord Hope urges people to "consider" their response and thanks people for their charitable giving.   St George’s Crypt (pictured) in Leeds is a Christian charity which has been working to providing hope and support for the hundreds who access the charity’s services every week since the founder Don Robins first opened the doors in 1930 and welcomed people into the Crypt.  

Martin Patterson, Director of Fundraising, said today: "Lord Hope's words come at a poignant time for all of us; these harsh economic circumstances provide us with fresh challenges and we are counting on people to support this Christmas appeal even more so than in other years."