Billionaire philanthropists Julia and Hans Rausing have donated £1.1m to charities providing support for homeless and those in need this Christmas.

A total of £660,000 will be given to 60 UK charities, including homeless charities The Passage and Glass Door. A further £250,000 will be distributed to charities through The Big Give’s Christmas Challenge.

The charities say the donation comes at a crucial time as they are inundated with requests for shelter and support during the coldest months of the year.

Mick Clarke, Chief Executive at the Passage, commented:

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, The Passage has been needed more than ever by those on the streets.

We are very grateful to the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust for their continued support and funding which will really strengthen our efforts during these more challenging winter months.

The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust has donated nearly £40m this year to charities, as the sector has been hit hard by the Coronavirus restrictions. Only last month it was reported that the funding gap between income and expenditure for charities could reach £10bn, with 60,000 jobs at risk.

In July, the Trust launched the Charity Survival Fund in response to the challenges facing the sector, providing grants to 329 charities totalling £18m.

This new donation will focus on providing hot meals and shelter for the people on the street, and helping homeless people into employment.

Julia and Hans Rausing commented:

For many this festive period will be even more difficult given the financial impact the pandemic has had across the country. We are grateful these charities are able to support the vulnerable on our streets, as well as those alone and in need.

Photo by Matt Collamer on Unsplash