Sustainable Tech 4 Good had the immense privilege of attending the Jimmy’s Cambridge inaugural Gala Dinner on Thursday 13th November at the University Arms, Cambridge. Jimmy’s are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, and the evening demonstrated that their commitment to and passion for supporting the homeless in Cambridge is as strong as ever. Natasha Davies, Chief Executive, gave an impassioned address reaffirming Jimmy’s Cambridge’s ethos of supporting the need first without judgement; it is very clear that Jimmy’s is in safe hands moving into its fourth decade of support for those sleeping rough in Cambridge, a city of such contrasts.
While the Gala Dinner on the one hand showed the privileged face of Cambridge, with fine dining in a beautiful setting at the University Arms, and top-notch entertainment from the King’s Men, we were constantly reminded throughout the evening of why we were there – to raise awareness and funds to help Jimmy’s continue their vital work supporting people who are rough-sleeping in Cambridge.
Above all what came across was the human aspect of Jimmy’s and the importance of its people to the success of its mission. Apart from the inspiring words from Natasha Davies, and the infectious enthusiasm of Cat Strawbridge, there was a brave and honest contribution from one volunteer who had lost her son despite his stable background and loving family support, showing that problems that can lead to rough sleeping can strike at people from any background. We heard from Gail Porter, who shared with us how despite TV fame, homelessness can still become a reality. These stories underline that homelessness could very easily happen to any of us, or to people we love, and that support from charities like Jimmy’s is so vital to helping people turn their lives around.
We also heard about Barry, who from initially knocking on the big red door on East Road looking for somewhere to sleep, has got his life back together and is now a pivotal part of the Jimmy’s team. The loyalty, dedication and commitment of Jimmy’s staff and volunteers are what makes this charity so special.
Sustainable Tech 4 Good is privileged to be able to support Jimmy’s. We take excess tech from businesses and other large organisations, repair and refurbish it, and make it available to digitally excluded people to help them benefit from participation in our now very digital world. For the homeless, having a mobile telephone or other device, means that they may be able to keep in touch with family members, contact people for support, or access services, all essential steps to ending isolation and rebuilding their lives.
As we enter winter, the urgency of support for the homeless is greater than ever. We heard on Thursday evening the shocking statistic that the life expectancy for rough sleepers is less than 50 years, this should be a wake-up call for us all to do what we can support charities like Jimmy’s continue their vital work. It is inspirational to see the commitment and enthusiasm of its staff as Jimmy’s Cambridge begins its fourth decade of supporting rough sleepers – we salute you!
“We at Sustainable Tech 4 Good are honoured to be the bronze sponsor of Jimmy’s Cambridge Gala Dinner this November. Our sponsorship is dedicated to supporting the event costs, with the aim of raising greater awareness and funds for the charity’s vital work in assisting those experiencing homelessness within the Cambridge community.
Additionally, we are delighted to contribute a high-end laptop to the evening’s raffle, further supporting this noble cause. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.”
Susan Gowling ~ Sustainable Tech 4 Good Founder