Rags can mean riches for homeless charity

FROM RAGS to riches, one Hinckley charity is spreading the word that every piece of fabric or footwear can be turned into vital funds, no matter how well worn or damaged.

Emmaus Leicestershire and Rutland has launched its Rags to Riches campaign to let supporters know that it isn’t only good quality, sale-able items that can be turned into cash for the cause.

The charity, which offers accommodation and work for formerly homeless people from its Elm Lea base on Ashby Road, says that even clothes and shoes that are not fit for re-sale can be passed on to a recycling company which buys in bulk, benefiting the charity.

Last year more than £9,000 was generated for the charity in this way.

While most of the best quality donations are sold at the charity’s La Bou- tique store on Castle Street, some of the warmest clothing is saved for handing out to rough sleepers including those in Leicester.

The charity’s deputy support officer Hayley Gall said: “It’s all about getting the word out there that Emmaus really can make the most of anything you might usually throw away, especially old clothing and footwear.

“We’re already known in the area as a charity that collects and resells unwanted furniture.

“Now we want people to know we can raise funds from other things too.”

Donations of clothing and footwear can be taken to the charitys’ Emporium on Stockwell Head or La Boutique on Castle Street, Hinckley.

To find out more about the charity, go online.