Workers’ fundraiser in memory of loved colleague
Old clothes can be donated to help alcohol and drug charity
A Southeastern employee who lost his friend to suicide has launched a clothes drop in a bid to raise money for the Kenward Trust, which helps those battling to overcome alcohol and drug misuse.
Shane Irons was a good friend of John Chadwick, an exKenward resident who took his own life when the council made him move on from accommodation to another place that would not allow his much loved dogs to live with him.
Unwanted clothing and textiles will be turned into funds for Kenward at a rate of £500 per ton throughout September following the initiative proposed by Maidstone East station worker Mr Irons.
He said: “I’m keen to promote the clothes collection as a way of raising money in memory of John and the support he had received from Kenward in the past.
“I hope the project also highlights the importance of suitable housing for vulnerable individuals when they re-integrate back into communities.”
Mr Chadwick considered his beloved cat and two dogs as family and was distraught when told he could not take them with him to a new flat in Square Hill, Maidstone.
The much loved 52-year-old sent a text message to friends saying he no longer wished to be alive before taking a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs and alcohol at a bed and breakfast in March – the anniversary of his mother’s death.
He had previously stayed in several areas of Kent, including the Kenward Trust, Yalding, before settling at Boxley Road in Maidstone until he was moved on.
Lynn Hyder, director of community services at the Kenward Trust, said: “Whilst we receive some statutory funding for our residential recovery projects, this only covers a proportion of the full cost of maintaining the services we provide.
“We therefore need to supplement our income by a range of fundraising initiatives and campaigns. We are thrilled that Southeastern are helping us with this activity and we thank them and the public who kindly donate their clothing for showing an interest and supporting our work.
“The financial contribution raised will help us provide the right care to men and women that so desperately need our help.”