Mark Alexander appointed Foxton Centre trustee
Vincents’ Head of Commercial Law joins homeless charity board
Preston homeless charity The Foxton Centre has appointed Mark Alexander to the board of trustees. Mark, who heads the commercial department at Vincents Solicitors, will assist the charity with legal obligations and help raise its profile within the local business community.
The Foxton Centre is a Christian-based charity working not just with the city’s homeless, but with marginalised people across society. It also puts on youth groups and provides support to residents in the local Avenham community. Based in Knowsley Street, the charity has more than 70 staff, volunteers and trustees providing services for more than 450 clients
Mark Alexander said: “The Foxton Centre is helping to improve the lives of people right here in the city centre and I’ve seen first hand the positive impact it has. It can be a challenging environment but the dedication of the staff and volunteers is quite inspirational. From providing hot meals to getting people access to professional help, the project is incredibly impressive.
“It’s a local charity right on my doorstep and I wanted to get involved. The board didn’t have a legal expert so I was pleased to offer my help in that regard, and provide support in any way I can. I’ll also be spreading the word telling everyone I meet about the fantastic work they do.”
Tim Keightley, CEO at the Foxton Centre, said Mark would be a welcome addition to the team. He said: “The charity relies on the support of its volunteers and trustees who give their time and expertise for free, and we are delighted that Mark will bring his experience and enthusiasm to the board.
“We will certainly be making use of his professional knowledge to keep us up to date on our legal obligations and we’ll welcome his views on the general running of the organisation. Mark will be helping with funding applications and is keen to promote the charity within his network of professional contacts in the region which will hopefully see more people becoming aware of the work we do.”
The Foxton Centre has recently launched its Christmas appeal for donations. The Christmas Wish List includes winter clothes and underwear, men’s and women’s toiletries, and festive treats such as chocolate selection boxes which can be given out as gifts. People can also donate money to the charity’s on-going ‘Hungry’ campaign, to help purchase food and supplies throughout the year.
The centre will open a Community Cafe on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, serving hot meals and distributing donated clothes and toiletries. For more information or to make a donation go to www.thefoxtoncentre.co.uk