Festive fundraising and winter donations drive for homelessness

The firm has marked the end of 2025 by hosting its annual charity carol concert, alongside a winter donations drive to support those who unexpectedly find themselves homeless in Gloucestershire.

On Wednesday 17 December, we raised over £1,100 for Willans’ charity partner Cheltenham Open Door by welcoming clients, suppliers, supporters and their families to enjoy an evening of carols, festive readings and songs sung by local chamber choir Severn’s Eight at Cheltenham College chapel.

For a second consecutive year, Dr Cheryl Whiting – trustee of Cheltenham Open Door – introduced guests to the charity and its valuable work, followed by festive readings by Leah Vincent of our wills, trusts & probate team and Simon Arneaud of our litigation & dispute resolution team.

After a programme of carols and songs, attendees enjoyed festive treats and refreshments and were invited to enter a raffle for the chance to win a range of prizes donated by local businesses. Our thanks go to the following for their generous support:

• Hilton Puckrup Hall
• Wholly Gelato
• Lumiere Restaurant
• The Roses Theatre
• Boulders
• The Queens Hotel
• Painswick Rococo Garden
• Ian Coley Sporting
• The Jockey Club
• Three Choirs Vineyard
• Royal Three Counties Show
• Nagomi Restaurant

Partner and charity committee co-chair Laura Stone commented: “We’d like to thank everyone who attended this year’s carol concert, every business that supported it and the Severn’s Eight chamber choir for taking part once again.

“Cheltenham Open Door provides invaluable year-round support to vulnerable, lonely and disadvantaged people in the local community, and we’re delighted to have raised an incredible amount to support the charity’s work as well as offered a platform to showcase what they do.”

Winter survival backpack challenge

To support those living on the streets in Gloucestershire this winter, Willans’ charity committee invited teams from across the firm to create a ‘winter survival backpack’ – a practical and thoughtful bundle to include everything that someone might need if they find themselves suddenly and unexpectedly homeless.

Each team had complete creative control over their rucksack, with staff not only buying and donating items they already have at home – unused, spare, or gently worn – but also making things themselves.

At the carol concert, each team’s backpack was put on display and Cheryl Whiting  judged the competition based on:

• Completeness – does it cover basic needs?
• Creativity – are there thoughtful extras or homemade touches?
• Practicality – is it portable, durable, and suitable for street living?
• Presentation – is it well-organised and easy to carry?

The winning team is set to be announced at the firm’s Christmas lunch, along with the prize for the winners.

“It has been insightful to realise just how many items we take for granted at home; whether it be a lunch time coffee, access to warm clothes, or simple items in a first aid kit,” said Laura Stone.

“We hope this initiative has brought departments together, as well as given us all an opportunity to help those in need over the winter and festive season.”

With a dedicated staff charity committee at the helm, our team of more than 100 take part in a number of fundraising events and activities every year – from baking competitions and sporting challenges to the annual charity carol concert.

About Cheltenham Open Door

Cheltenham Open Door is a small charity that supports vulnerable, disadvantaged and lonely people. It aims to relieve poverty, hardship and social or emotional distress in the community. Guests at the charity’s centre have been deprived of the comforts and security most of us take for granted and Cheltenham Open Door offers hospitality, warmth, food and somewhere to relax.

The people who come through its doors come from all walks of life. They may be experiencing mental health difficulties, in or recovering from addiction, isolated from friends and family, in financial difficulty, sleeping rough, in a hostel or on a friend’s floor or have spent time in prison.

Originally founded in 1992 as Open Door at Christmas, the charity gradually expanded and developed its work. Taking the name Cheltenham Open Door, it became both a registered charity and limited company.

Open Door was based at Grosvenor Street in central Cheltenham from 1998-2021 with a small staff team and a team of volunteers. In December 2021 it moved its guest hub to a larger premises in Alstone Lane. Willans’ real estate partner, Alasdair Garbutt advised on the commercial property element of the charity’s new premises and became a trustee of the charity.

For more of the latest news and updates on Willans’ charitable activities, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.