People right across the East Midlands are planning unusual and traditional fundraising events to take place on Friday, May 22. These selfless actions are in response to a plea from homelessness charity Framework inviting people to do what they can to support local vulnerable people.

Framework, a charity and housing association supporting over 11,000 people a year has been requesting fundraising help from the communities it operates within, in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and some parts of South Yorkshire.

The response has been well received so far, with a number of individuals, groups and organisations volunteering support for the day of community based action.

In Nottingham the PPHE Hotel will be holding a staff running race and luncheon, Alea casino are having a quiz and Canon Bridget Smith will be inviting the Southwell community to a coffee and cake morning at the Sacrista Prebend retreat house.

The 12th West Bridgford Brownies and St Michael and all Angels Church Youth Group in Underwood will get sponsored to create cardboard sleeping shelters, whilst Framework’s own Head Office will enjoy games, a dress in orange day and a 5-aside football tournament.

In Lincolnshire the Waterside Shopping Centre will be wearing orange to raise awareness and funds. Framework’s Homelessness Prevention Service will be washing cars for donations in Newark, alongside Community Work Programme staff who shall be having an exercise bicycle marathon.

Arrangements are being made East Midlands-wide and beyond to raise funds for a charity that changes and sometimes saves lives. From challenges of physical strength to cracker-eating competitions; staff rooms to shopping centres, minds are coming together to “Do-It for Framework”.

Homelessness remains a cruel and visible issue across the region and the current demand for Framework’s services proves this. Every single penny raised from Do it for Framework Day will be used to supplement frontline Framework services – to prevent people from losing their homes, to help people who are homeless, and to provide opportunities for vulnerable people to change their lives.

Do It for Framework day organiser Sarah Cross commented: “Friday, May 22 is an incredible opportunity to acknowledge your local Framework service and act to help local people in need. If every person who supports Framework came forward and raised just £20, we could raise £40,000 and just imagine what we could do with then to tackle homelessness locally.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of all individuals, groups and organisations who have already come forward with plans for Do It for Framework Day. However, to beat last year’s total of £10,000 and to extend our reach to the maximum number of people in need of Framework’s help, we are urging others join us and do what they can too.”

The event is sponsored by the Nottingham Building Society, who not only will be dressing in orange in all branches but will also provide match funding for new regular donors in May. Sue Owen Bailey, Senior Community Assistant said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Framework’s Do it for Framework day for a second year. Our Doing Good Together initiative is very much about joining forces to do something positive for your community so we’re incredibly proud to be to getting behind Framework on the 22nd May.”

Framework has suggested a list of top “Do It” suggestions on its website: www.frameworkha.org/DIFF2015 These include ideas big and small, and appropriate for supporters of all ages. Those interested in match funding and doubling a regular donation for 5 months can find the relevant information on the same webpage.