Grasmere Gingerbread supports charity workers with festive treats

The team at Grasmere Gingerbread presented volunteers at two centres in Cumbria with boxes of sweet treats.

A total of £1,250 was also split between Manna House in Kendal and Calderwood House in Egremont, which both support homeless people in the area.

Joanne Hunter, co-director of Grasmere Gingerbread, said: “These two amazing organisations rely upon dozens of volunteers who give love, time and practical support to help people who are struggling to find and keep a roof over their heads."

Ms Hunter added that the cause was close to the hearts of the company, linking homelessness to the origins of the bakery in the 19th Century.

"Our business was founded in 1854 when Grasmere Gingerbread inventor Sarah Nelson and her family met the ‘poor and needy’ tenancy criteria for Church Cottage - now The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop," she said.

“Without that vital leg-up I doubt whether Sarah would have been able to start her unique business in Grasmere.”

Workers at Manna House get their hands on the ginger-flavoured treats (Image: Alan Air Media Services)

The problem of homelessness, according to Rebecca Irving, is often 'hidden' from public view, particularly across Cumbria.

Ms Irving, senior housing recovery worker at Calderwood House, explained: "Homelessness is just as big a problem here as in big cities like Manchester but it’s not as obvious as there are less people visibly homeless on the street."

It means that donations and the recognition of the centres' efforts, such as those given by Grasmere Gingerbread, are vital in increasing the public perception of the issue.

Andrea Aldridge, chief officer at Manna House, wanted to thank the bakery for remembering their volunteers and workers over the festive season.

“It was such a lovely treat for everyone here," she added.

Of the money donated, £750 will be going to Manna House, whilst £5,00 was donated to the Egremont centre.