Words by Smiley Team
With many homeless services shutting down or moving to telephone advice only for the lockdown, the few remaining support options are becoming increasingly vital for those sleeping rough. Among these, Simon on the Streets, a West Yorkshire charity, has welcomed a boost in support that will help them remain open, from three corporate donors joining its corporate partnership scheme.
These new supporters are Leeds-based IT support firm, Everon; Huddersfield-based Inspired Kitchens and Leeds-based independent bottlers, Peg Whisky. Signing up for the charity’s 5 for 5 scheme, the three companies have committed to raising at least £500 per year for five years.
Welcoming the new sponsors, Simon on the Streets business development manager, Fahad Khan commented: “Whilst the current pandemic meant we had to move our meetings online, the move to virtual events has seen an increased interest from new partners in recent months and we’re delighted to welcome Everon, Inspired Kitchens and Peg Whisky to our programme which now boasts 15 supporters.”
In such difficult times, the three companies are making a benevolent and much-needed contribution to helping people made increasingly vulnerable by the pandemic.
The global account manager of Peg Whisky explained: “We wanted to support and partner up with a local charity and we came across Simon on the Streets. Our team felt the 5 for 5 programme was a great project to get involved with. Homelessness is a real problem in the UK and the work Simon on the Streets does makes a real difference to the people it supports.
“This partnership means a lot to us as we want to help and try to make a difference, even if one person benefits from the work they do then that’s something to be proud of and it’s something we want to be a part of. Both Peg Whisky’s directors have done a lot of charitable work in the past and will continue to do so. We look forward to attending the next Big Sleepout with Simon to show our continued support.”
Simon On the Streets focuses on supporting those with a history of rough sleeping in Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees. By offering street-based, emotional and practical support, they help those for those who cannot access mainstream services.
If you work for a company which might consider helping this vital cause, join their 5 for 5 virtual networking events, the first of which will take place this Thursday, 21st January, 1-2 pm, and will offer a chance to hear the charity discussing its work during the lockdown.
The charity’s next event will feature guest speaker Ellie MacDonald, the founder of PR agency MacComms who will provide PR tips for businesses.
To book onto a 5 for 5 event email [email protected].
For more information about the charity, visit their website or tweet @simonotstreets.
