Unused beer tokens help homeless hostel
REAL ALE lovers have traded beer tokens for cash and donated the money to a Hinckley hostel for homeless young people.
Members of Hinckley and Bosworth branch of Camra, the campaign for real ale, donated £296 to Hinckley Homeless Group, which runs Lawrence House hostel in town.
The money represented the proceeds of unused beer tokens bought by visitors to the 10th annual Hinckley Beer Festival hosted by the branch last year.
It will be used to help fund the work of the hostel which offers supported accommodation for up to 12 homeless people aged from 16 to 25 for up to a year each.
Branch secretary Richard Lewin said: “The decision to support the Group was made at a monthly meeting of about 50 branch members.
“Hinckley Camra already makes donations to the Westfield Community Centre and wanted to help another local good cause.
“It was suggested that Hinckley Homeless Group fitted the criteria and members voted unanimously to do this.”
Branch chairman David Finn, treasurer Bethan Moore and beer festival organiser Chris James, representing a branch membership of more than 650, went to Lawrence House to hand over a cheque for the amount.
It was accepted by project manager Louise Adams who said: “We are very grateful for every contribution and Camra have been ever so helpful. It’s really positive.
“All the money we receive goes into running Lawrence House and supporting its residents.”
Since its funding from Leicestershire County Council was cut in 2015, Hinckley Homeless Group has been reliant on fundraising and donations to continue running its life-saving service. It marked its 25th anniversary in 2017.