Alison to shave her head to help feed local community

A Bristol church leader is shaving her head on Thursday 7 May to raise money to feed people in the St Pauls area of the city during the #coronavirus lockdown.

Captain Alison Friday runs The Salvation Army’s Bristol Citadel on 6 Ashley Road with her husband Gavin.

The couple have two young children and have been providing a range of services from Ashley Road for their community including family support, a parent and toddler group and the Employment Plus programme.

Since the lockdown began, the couple have seen an increase in the numbers of people they are meeting who are struggling to buy food and pay their gas and electricity bills.

“I want to raise money for The Salvation Army's work with people in the St Paul's area of Bristol. Already during this pandemic we have seen a rise in those needing and seeking help and as lockdown continues we know this will increase” said Alison.

“More and more people are accessing our foodbank and we are noticing a rise in people who need additional support for household utilities due to them spending more time in doors during lockdown.” 

Alison is being joined by our colleague Louise Elcox who manages the Bristol Donation Centre on North Gloucester Road north in Filton in having a grade 2.6 head shave as part of the 2.6 Challenge.

They are hoping to raise £5,000 with their sponsored head shave which they’ll be broadcasting at 6pm on Facebook live on the Bristol Citadel Salvation Army Facebook page - @bristol.citadel on Thursday 7 May.

“The money we raise by shaving our heads will support Bristol Citadel Salvation Army's work with the community in the coming weeks and months, as we reach out practically and spiritually to anyone who requires our care at this time” said Alison.

People wanting to support Alison and Louise’s 2.6 Challenge head shave can make a donation at The Salvation Army Bristol Citadel’s Covid-19 JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bristol-citadel