Emmaus Bristol put the call out to local artists to support our art auction, and we were overwhelmed by kindness from the local artistic community.
Artists from the Royal West of England Academy collectively donated 17 pieces of artwork covering a range of techniques from oil paintings, lino cuts and drawings. The donated artworks were auctioned off on our eBay shop to raise vital funds for the charity.
Emmaus Bristol provides accommodation, work experience, tailored support and training to people who have experienced homelessness, social exclusion and poverty.
Homelessness charities like us are faced with an increase demand for their services as rates of homelessness continue to soar across the UK. At a time of unprecedented need in Bristol, this fundraiser raised vital funds to support our work.
Fundraisers like the art auction support people to rebuild their lives after homelessness. One companion, Abdurrahman, had just received his UK residence permit when he arrived at Emmaus, didn’t speak much English and hadn’t been able to work for two years.
Since then, he has regained his confidence, learnt English and recently moved on from Emmaus Bristol into a permanent role at a hospital in Emersons Green, working in sterile services. Abdurrahman said, “I feel settled now. Over the next year, I want to be successful in my job and complete my education. One day I’d like to do a project to match the hospital I work at with Emmaus to help other people have similar opportunities.” Read Abdurraman’s full story.
Valuable work experience is a key part of the Emmaus model to support people out of homelessness; it aims to empower and equip people with the skills and confidence to move away from homelessness and on to an independent future.
Organising the art auction was a team effort. Another companion, Tom, gained skills in writing, communication and fundraising by writing to local artists and asking for their support, while Emmaus volunteer and retired art academic Roger helped collate and categorise the donated artwork ready for auction.
Commenting on volunteering at Emmaus Bristol, Roger, who is also a practising artist and donated a piece of artwork to the auction, said: “There’s a good sense that everybody works together — volunteers, staff and companions all work as a team.” Read Roger’s Q&A.
Harry Greatorex Fundraising Manager at Emmaus Bristol said, “The art auction is a great example of what charity is all about, drawing on the talents of our companions, dedicated volunteers and the generosity of our local community, our art auction fundraiser was a success thanks to everyone involved and for supporting our work against homelessness.”
