Fife firm supports Lou to help homeless

A Fife business has struck up a partnership with a Celtic, Manchester United and Scotland football legend in an effort to support the homeless.

Glenrothes-based bedding manufacturer Dusal has linked up with the Lou Macari Foundation to send 75 muchneeded duvets for the charity’s Street Retreat Centre, which offers respite for those living on the streets.

A 2016 news report about the number of homeless people in Britain inspired Lou, former manager of Stoke City, to set up the charity in Stoke where he still lives.

Bernard Kennedy, general manager of the Glenrothes firm, said: “Lou grew up just across the water from us in Edinburgh, so it felt right to offer our help to a local guy who is working so hard to support people who have fallen on hard times.

“Our operations were paused for three weeks after the lockdown, but we made the decision to return so that we could fulfil the many orders we were still receiving.

“This included the duvets for Lou which were one of the first into production. Making these also added a feelgood factor and was a great way for us to resume working.”

Janine Proctor from the Lou Macari Foundation said: “We really can’t thank the team at Dusal enough for their support.

“During these incredibly difficult times, they have made such a generous gesture and one which has already made a positive impact on the wellbeing of our customers.

“We were supporting nearly 50 people at our shelter at the time that Bernard got in touch, and we were receiving calls to support even more.”

She said the charity had worked with the city council to construct timber camping ‘pods’ in a disused warehouse so street sleepers could stay safe.

Lou Macari with the duvets.