Unwanted goods get lives back on track
A MAN who was homeless and with bleak prospects before a charity went to his aid has called on people to help it out during national Recycle Week.
Tony Cameron made the call for people to donate and recycle unwanted items of retro furniture to help a homelessness charity based in Hinckley.
Each year, Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland ensures that more than 6,000 pieces of unwanted furniture are saved from the tip, offering a free collection service for items in good condition.
The collected goods are then sold in their two Hinckley shops: the Emmaus Emporium in Stockwell Head and La Boutique in Castle Street.
The charity provides a home, support and meaningful work to 16 formerly homeless individuals.
Some stay for a while as they gain confidence and skills before they feel ready to move on to independent living; others are in need of longer-term support and are able to stay for as long as they need to.
When Tony was at his lowest point, support from Emmaus made all the difference: “My life was pretty normal until I was unable to get to work one day and I lost my job,” he said.
“After a while I couldn’t pay my rent and got kicked out of my accommodation. With nowhere to go, I slept underneath a flyover for three months.
“It is only thanks to help from Emmaus that I’m back on my feet again. I now have a home and I enjoy working in the charity shops, especially sorting through the things that have been donated.”
With Recycle Week coming soon (September 20 to 26), he is calling on people to get behind the charity.
“Furniture items often help to raise the most money for the charity,” he said. “We’re asking people to take a look around their house, sheds, lofts and garages. If they have any goodquality furniture they don’t need, they can call us to book a free collection from their home.”
Matt Taylor, Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland’s operations manager, said: “People sometimes don’t realise their old furniture can be given a new lease of life.
“We’re proud to think that, by offering our free collection service for quality unwanted furniture, we’re doing our bit to encourage people to think more about recycling. It’s a great alternative to taking unwanted furniture to the tip.
“We hope that our community will pull together to help Emmaus make a difference. Everything sold in our shops will raise money to help us change the lives of formerly homeless people such as Tony.”
To book a collection for unwanted furniture, call 01455 637587.
EX-HOMELESS MAN TELLS OF CHARITY’S VITAL INTERVENTION