'Life Changing' Challenge For Southall Homeless

Local staff raised thousands in a Ten Million Step Challenge

Charity workers helping the homeless in Southall say money raised by local staff will help change lives.

The 10/10/10 challenge saw participants travelling and exercising more than 10 million steps in 10 days to raise £10,000 for Hope for Southall Street Homeless.

It's one of developers, Berkeley West Thames’, charity partners and since 2017, Berkeley has raised more than £100,000 for the charity. The money has been used for a full-time, complex needs case worker and to help the charity’s Covid-response outreach work.

78 of the company's employees – including many of those working at The Green Quarter in Southall – joined the challenge some covering more than 100 miles.

£11,400 was raised - exceeding the target- and the developers then added to this, taking the total to over £20,000. This has been split between the division’s two charity partners: Hope for Southall Street Homeless and Birmingham-based St Basil's.

Ashley Kensington, Managing Director at Berkeley West Thames, said: “At The Green Quarter we are committed to being a positive part of the local community and our partnerships with organisations such as Hope for Southall Street Homeless are a key part of that. I was very proud to see how many of our team undertook this challenge for such important causes. The pandemic has been particularly tough on charities and we’re delighted to play our part in supporting their good work.”

Susan Cawley from Hope for Southall Street Homeless said: “I am not exaggerating when I say that fundraising schemes such as this truly change lives. The money raised means we can continue our work in Southall, which is all the more important considering the rise in homelessness during the pandemic. It allows us to support people who are sleeping rough and means we can help them towards a more sustainable and happier tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who took part in the challenge and to those who made donations.''

Hope for Southall Street Homeless was set up in December 2015 and runs a night shelter which provides accommodation, cleaning facilities and hot meals.

Annemarie Flanagan

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19 April 2021