Gabriel's Edinburgh Marathon run supporting Fresh Start
Gabriel Barrett-Bunnage is raising money for Fresh Start
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Fresh Start - helping people make a home for themselves
For me, the choice of charity to support in my upcoming Edinburgh Marathon attempt was an easy one. Fresh Start, in their objective of providing support in the transition from homelessness and temporary accommodation to a permanent place to call home, has resonated with me as charity deserving of exceptional praise and a great admiration for the team of people behind its running.
Through my involvement in the University Royal Naval Unit East of Scotland, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity working to fundraise for Fresh Start during my second year of university. My role focused on the enabling the unit's support of the Fresh Start; organising goods collections (Festive Goods initiative), volunteering (Hit Squads), fundraising efforts (Charity Cocktail Night), along with additional funding from the unit budget. After my involvement through this role finished, the mission and kind people of Fresh Start left a powerful impression on me and spurred my motivation to work towards running a marathon in their continued support. I hope I'll be able to do them well, just as they deserve.
The experience of being homeless can have a devastating effect. Fresh Start help those who have been homeless settle into a new home and back into their community, seeking to break the cycle of homelessness and create a better life for those living in poverty. They take a multifaceted approach to work towards their aim, providing Starter Packs of everyday household goods, employing Hit Squads which help decorate rooms of new residents, along with opportunity to attend cooking classes and work in one of our community Growing Spaces. Their Services help people get their life back on track, enabling them to make a home for themselves as they get back onto their feet.