A women's choir has joined forces with a Wilmslow charity to spread holiday cheer and raise funds for a good cause.

Bare Necessities, a grass roots charity committed to alleviating hygiene poverty, continuously seeks funds to support those in need.

Hygiene poverty affects nearly 9.9 million people in the UK—about 1 in 5 adults—according to a recent report. Alarmingly, nearly half of those affected feel too embarrassed to seek help. 

This year, they have partnered with Cheshire A Cappella as part of their participation in The Big Give Christmas Challenge. 

On Saturday 7 December, Cheshire A Cappella, a women's barber shop choir,  will be spreading holiday cheer by singing carols and festive tunes along Grove Street from 11.30am to 2.30pm.

You can find the choir and volunteers outside The Grove, Cibo Gran Cafe and The Mucky Pup. Everyone is invited to stop by, enjoy the music, join in the singing, and, most importantly, contribute to this vital cause. 

Trustee Abigail Gill said: "Every month we need around £4000 to keep the charity running. We pack 180 totes filled with essential toiletries, along with some special treats when possible. These totes include age- and gender-specific products.

"Additionally, we send out 35 well-being packs and 5-days dignity packs. All of these are delivered every month to 35 charities across Cheshire East and Manchester for onward distribution.

"These charities support groups, including women, youth, mothers and babies, food banks, and the street homeless."

Additionally, Bare Necessities fund ad hoc projects throughout the year such as the dental campaign 'Give A Smile' giving families and individuals a month's supply of toothpaste & brushes, and 'Suds' Give a Wash Day . Without funds none of this can happen. 

Cheshire A Cappella is a diverse group of women from all walks of life united by a shared passion for singing. Weekly rehearsals are about enjoyment whilst working to expand the repertoire and hone vocal skills, culminating in performances for a variety of audiences.

A member of the group, Liz O'Keeffe, said: "Cheshire A Cappella are proud to support Bare Necessities Toiletry Bank, a local charity doing amazing work to transform lives by providing essential items to those in need." 

Lisa Russett from Wilmslow's Way Better has been instrumental in arranging this Wilmslow festive afternoon.

She said "Having a charity, a choir and some of our fabulous local hostelries involved in supporting Bare Necessities first Big Give Christmas Challenge, whilst raising funds for such a worthwhile charity is amazing. It goes to show how a town can pull together for the benefit of others." 

"Please join us with this festive sing-a-long and in supporting Bare Necessities as they tackle hygiene poverty head-on."