Tuesday November 24, 2020
Ever committed to helping the community and reducing its impact on the environment, Cawarden has salvaged several items of sports equipment from a building that it was due to demolish in Birmingham last month.
The items, which were found in a former school, were in perfect condition and too good to just throw away.
Overseeing the demolition of the school, Cawarden’s Senior Site Manager, George Kirk, said: “We were preparing for the building to be demolished and during the strip out of the building interior, we discovered the football and table tennis tables that had been left behind by the previous occupants -they were virtually brand new. I therefore wanted to see if we could find them a new home to the benefit of the community – and also to ensure they weren’t just scrapped.”
George ensured the items were saved from going into landfill and looked into good causes that could put them to use. Following a few phone calls, George found the items a new home at the YMCA Derbyshire and arranged for the full-sized football and table tennis tables to be given a new lease of life at the new Heanor branch. The donation of the sports equipment has given the residents a huge boost during these difficult times.
We are sincerely grateful for your wonderful donation and kind words and it has been an absolute godsend for our residents. A huge thank you to George Kirk and Keith Simpson for organising delivery and going out of their way to drop it off for us! We are immensely thankful to have your support.
SAMANTHA MORGAN
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION TEAM LEADER
We as a project appreciate the donation. This has made a huge difference to the mental health and wellbeing of the young people we support. We are hoping to hold a little tournament in the near future.
Many thanks to Cawarden for supporting the YMCA.
NIKKI DOGGETT
YMCA DERBYSHIRE
As a company, we’re proud to support both local and national charities that make a difference to people in their community. I am therefore delighted to hear that the sports equipment has been put to good use and has been a positive distraction for residents during the COVID-19 lockdown.
WILLIAM CROOKS
MANAGING DIRECTOR
YMCA Derbyshire opened the 15 new units of accommodation on Ray Street in Heanor, Derbyshire, earlier this year. The new sports equipment forms part of the branch’s communal area, which is the perfect space for activities and socialising.
The housing team there supports people who find themselves homeless in the area to get back on their feet and gain independence. Aimed at 18-35 year old’s, these self-contained flats provide short-term accommodation with support from Housing Navigators, who are based on-site five days a week. The support offered comes in the form of building connections, helping with personal development, advice on training and employment opportunities and life skills with personal development.
YMCA Derbyshire is an independent Christian charity committed to helping young people. To find out more or to make a donation, please visit https://ymcaderbyshire.org.uk/