When the walls of life come tumbling down for past and present members of the wider Architectural profession, Architects Benevolent Society helps them rebuild.

For those who are struggling financially, Christmas, without the glistening decorations, sumptuous food and presents under the tree, can look especially bleak. That’s why ABS give special gifts at Christmas, to turn people’s despair into delight.

People like Max Everett.

For over five years, the economic storm has battered the industry, leaving many casualties. Despite long hours and hard, committed work, many have lost their jobs through redundancy. Others have worked tirelessly, only to be knocked down by an illness, accident or other personal misfortune.

Max suffered both.

As a young architectural technologist, Max Everett graduated with a first class degree and found a job with a large firm. In 2010, after many years of work, he suffered his first, harsh blow. 

“I went in the first wave of redundancies,” Max said, “and then, adding to my problems, I broke my leg. Looking for work was doubly difficult. As the months went by, my debts increased and I nearly lost my home.”

That’s when ABS provided the lifeline he desperately needed.

As the only UK charity dedicated to architectural professionals and their families, ABS helps people of all ages through illness, accident, redundancy, unemployment, bereavement or other personal crises.

But for Max, worse was to come – his brother was diagnosed with Leukaemia. They glimpsed hope when Max found out he was a compatible donor. “I’d do anything for my brother,” Max said, “but being a donor meant I was unable to do anything for an extended period once again.”

The ABS stood by Max as he stood by his brother, helping him to manage his fragile finances; to focus on his brother and on sorting himself out.

ABS helped him rebuild and get back on his feet.  Max was then able to set up his own business and move forward in his life.

But the ABS cannot help others, without help from people like you – people with a generous heart to restore hope and rebuild lives.

At Christmas that help is needed the most – which is why ABS aims to give an extra gift at Christmastime.  Additional financial gifts are given not just to those already receiving regular help, but also to their children, who can then buy something of their choice. The delight of a surprise gift on a child’s face can be enough to give a struggling family hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Young or old, ABS strives to make sure that no-one is forgotten.

Please consider a gift to ABS this Christmas – your generosity could help turn someone’s despair into delight – and make their Christmas merry and bright.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.