16 March 2009

Chairman of the board on the road

People giving unwanted furniture to Furnish, the west London furniture re-use charity, got VIP treatment when it was collected by the chairman of Shepherds Bush Housing Group.

Jim Dean spent Thursday 12 March collecting furniture with Furnish, which is part of Shepherds Bush Housing Group.

Furnish, which delivered furniture to more than 800 needy families in the past year, is appealing for more furniture as fewer people than ever are donating.

Jim Dean said: “I volunteered for a day on the van to find out first-hand what we do and to meet some of the people who either donate their furniture or obtain it from us. It was really enjoyable and I was very impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of the Furnish Team, as well as with the standard of furniture donated. We have experienced a dramatic dip in donations because of the economic slowdown, so we really want to encourage people to give us a call if they have good quality furniture.”

Mrs Mary O’Sullivan, of Arminger Road Road, Shepherds Bush, donated furniture after ahead of buying new furniture. She said: “It’s good to know the furniture is going to someone who needs it and also that it is being re-used.”

Furnish collected 170 tonnes of unwanted furniture in the past year. It then redistributes it to needy families. With a staff of just six, it has a team of 20 volunteers who support its work. In return volunteers get experience of working and are supported to study for qualifications which may help them get a salaried job.

In addition Shepherds Bush Housing Group staff volunteer to find out more about the service. To donate good quality furniture please call Furnish on 020 8969 3332.

For more details please contact Hannah Stokes
Tel: 020 8996 4237
hannah.stokes@sbhg.co.uk