Gosport businessman opens showroom floor to help struggling families this Christmas

Dale Herridge, who owns Dale Herridge Home Improvements in Brockhurst Road, Gosport, opened his doors to donations for Food Crisis Gosport last weekend, following a plea for support by the organisation on social media.

In the following days, Mr Herridge was inundated with gifts that will go to struggling families this Christmas.

He says he has been blown away by the influx of support, which he believes shows off the very best of the town’s community spirit.

‘Food Crisis Gosport put out an SOS so I got in touch to say I could help,’ he said.

‘The next thing I know, food and children's presents is piling up on the showroom floor – it was incredible to see.

‘It genuinely took us by surprise to have such a great response. There were easily 200 toys donated, other people brought boxes of Celebrations and one lady donated a dozen Terry’s Chocolate Oranges.

‘I was absolutely overwhelmed by the support.’

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In conjunction with Elson Junior School, Crisis Food Gosport will use what was donated to Mr Herridge to create hampers for schoolchildren from struggling households.

With two young boys himself – one of whom goes to the school – it’s a cause that’s close to the businessman’s heart.

He said: ‘When you hear about things like this it really hits close to home.

‘My 10-year-old boy goes to Elson Junior School, so it just goes to show that you never know who could need your help.

‘Seeing everything unfold has been a really humbling experience for my wife and I – we will never forget what’s happened in the past few days.’

Mr Herridge opened his showroom in October last year, and has always had his heart set on using it for good.

Now, he is urging other entrepreneurs to take the same step.

‘There are thousands of children who potentially have nothing for Christmas this year,’ he said.

‘Anything we can do to help, from the fortunate position we are in, will make a difference.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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