A GROUP of volunteers gave up their Boxing Day to ensure the homeless across Wrexham and Flintshire did not go without.

Matt Pyne has been going out onto the streets of Wrexham every Wednesday night for the past couple of years to help the homeless.

And last week was no different.

He told the Leader: " It went well, over 20 people in Wrexham alone were served food.

"Food that we had left over went to the local night shelter because we don't like taking any home when there are people out there needing it.

"We also gave out Christmas boxes that the local school put together and rucksacks including clothing and toiletries.

"We do it every Wednesday but due to it being Christmas day we did it on Boxing day instead.

Mr Pyne said he uses social media to ask for any donations and everything he is given gets used, whether for the homeless or given to Renew.

He added: "We enjoy doing it and doing it every week means we get to build up that relationship with people. You might be the only person that they speak to.

"I feel like this is important over Christmas because no-one likes to spend Christmas alone and hungry but there's a lot of people who jump on it at Christmas.

"We always say that these people are homeless 12 months a year, not just during the Christmas period so while it's great you're helping, please don't forget about them all year around, because people do forget.

"We have a lot of people helping us, it was a good team effort."

The team visited Queens Square in Wrexham whilst Donna Edwards visited Shotton for those on the streets in that area.

Melly Buckley, along with Sarah Jane Evans and Joe Elliott Stoneley decided to not send Christmas cards this year, but instead use the money to help feed the homeless with snapping bags to go out alongside the hot food.

Peter James Rowley said: "I've known Matt since school and a few years back I noticed he was out helping people. Our paths crossed a few times and I decided then I wanted to help him get the stuff he was asking for, if you don't ask you don't get.

"Firstly, a big thank you to everyone who has supported this project, whether it's been food, clothes, money and time. Thank you.

"I started the Paypal pool up as I knew people would donate, Matt does a weekly write up and shout out on Facebook and reading the responses I knew I could help, even it was an extra bag of clothes or 30 meals mad."

Peter said that they have since had weekly donations and continued support.

He also organised a Christmas raffle after a few 'begs and asks' with the main prize being worth over £175 and 13 other prizes.

Peter added: "The main prize was bought through donations and ticket sales. Raffle sales raised over £300 with purchases made along the was of what we needed such as sleeping bags, emergency kit bags and food. We also donated £50 to a helper who has helped people using foodbanks.

"I have a £95 shop coming to me from a friend in Durham to help out. In total I would say over £800 has been raised and stocks on weekly items in stores.

"A big thank you to donators which included B&M in Flint, Double Time Distribution LTD, Tracy Jones at Georgieff Jones, Mad about Metal, Craigs Couriers, Brian's Artworks, Village Cafe in Bagillts, Doof, Rosany's Crochet, the team in Denbigh, Mill Tavern in Flint, Dandy's and a big thank you to Vicky and Lee who let me draw the raffle there.

"None of this would have happened if not for people donating. Thank you all."