Birchwood-based New Balance has donated boxes of brand-new sportswear to Warrington homelessness charity Room at the Inn.
The family-owned company has supported the charity for several years and is continuing its commitment to helping local people facing homelessness and other challenges.
Room at the Inn, which became a registered charity in 2018, supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as those experiencing mental health issues, substance misuse, domestic abuse or transitioning from care, helping them access essential services and rebuild their lives.
The donation was received by Room at the Inn’s Fundraising Lead and Volunteer Co-ordinator, Morven, who said: “This donation by New Balance Warrington is so much more than clothes.
“For someone battling low confidence and self-worth, new clothes can create a feeling of pride and confidence. It is a powerful reminder that homeless people matter.
“It’s about walking into a job interview with your head held higher or walking into a GP surgery and feeling less judged. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness create the biggest changes.
“A brand-new hoodie, a fresh pair of trainers or sportswear that has never been worn by anyone else are everyday items to many of us. To someone who has lost almost everything, they can represent a fresh start.”
Room at the Inn operates day and night hubs on Winmarleigh Street and provides supported accommodation for people waiting to move into permanent housing. Over the past 18 months, the charity has expanded its services to offer support seven days a week, including opening its day centre at weekends.
Each year, the charity provides more than 11,000 emergency bed spaces through its Night Hub, welcomes more than 6,000 visits to its Day Hub, delivers around 5,000 hours of volunteer support and offers supported accommodation for up to 24 residents.
Morven added: “Sometimes the first step towards rebuilding a life really can begin with putting on a brand-new pair of shoes, and we can’t thank New Balance enough for this fantastic donation.”
