Katie with Cuddlies for the Gingerbread Centre

CiiLOCK continues its support for The Gingerbread Centre

CiiLOCK continues its support for The Gingerbread Centre

CiiLOCK Engineering’s Marketing Specialist, Katie Wilson, recently made another visit to the company’s chosen charity, The Gingerbread Centre in Stoke-on-Trent.

Katie is a regular visitor to the charity, which offers a vital and unique service, providing safe and supportive accommodation for homeless families with children, giving them a place to stay for as long as they need to regain independence.

During the visit, Jess Druce, the Centre’s Fundraiser, shared some of the main reasons single parents often face homelessness. Many are fleeing domestic violence or burdened by debt left behind by a former partner.

Katie shared her personal connection to these challenges, saying: “I’ve experienced both situations in the past. I was fortunate not to become homeless, but I truly understand how easily it can happen. I feel a connection to these parents and have so much admiration for the work the Centre does. I’m committed to supporting them however I can.”

The Gingerbread Centre relies entirely on financial support and donations of everyday essentials to care for the families it shelters.

This week, Katie brought in a donation of children’s toys and a bag of groceries, including pasta, sauces, soup, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. After the visit, Jess emailed Katie to share how grateful the residents were—especially the children, who were thrilled to receive biscuits!

Supporting is simple

Katie said next time you’re shopping, consider picking up a few extra groceries, or if your children have outgrown their toys or clothes, donating them can make a real difference.

If you have items you’d like to contribute, feel free to email Katie. She’ll gladly help coordinate the donation on your behalf.

katie@ciilock.com

www.gingerbreadcentre.co.uk

CiiLOCK Engineering – Hardware Innovation Specialists

More news

WEBS Training 2026

Taking on an apprentice: Costs, wages and support

In her latest article, Samarah Dawson, Business Development Manager at specialist furniture and interiors apprenticeship training provider, WEBS Training, is back talking all aspects of apprenticeships, this week talking the cost of taking on an apprentice. I’m back talking all aspects of apprenticeships, and this week I’m talking money – the pounds and pence of… Continue reading Taking on an apprentice: Costs, wages and support
Gav NT 2026

MRA Analyst on construction data and conservation

Hear how MRA Research Data Analyst, Gavin Brooks, brings together two seemingly different worlds: construction market insight and hands-on conservation work with the National Trust. MRA Research has a long-established reputation for providing valuable insight into the construction sector, helping businesses understand market trends and plan for the future. But for Data Analyst Gavin Brooks,… Continue reading MRA Analyst on construction data and conservation
BFC 2026

BFC urges caution over furniture fire safety changes

The British Furniture Confederation (BFC) has submitted a sector-wide response to the Government’s consultation on proposed reforms to upholstered furniture fire safety regulations. Representing manufacturers, retailers, suppliers and trade associations across the UK, the BFC welcomes the ambition to reduce the use of harmful flame‑retardant chemicals where it can be achieved safely, while warning that… Continue reading BFC urges caution over furniture fire safety changes