Emmaus is a movement that was set up by Abbé Pierre in 1949 to help the homeless people that were thronging the streets of post-war Paris.  Emmaus Communities continue to offer homeless people a home, work and the chance to rebuild their lives in a supportive environment.  There are currently 23 communities in the UK and the organisation spans 36 countries Worldwide.  The President of Emmaus UK is Terry Waite, and the Royal Patron is the Duchess of Cornwall.

 

Emmaus Communities enable people to move on from homelessness, providing work and a home in a supportive, family environment.  Companions, as residents are known, work full-time collecting, renovating and re-selling donated furniture.  This work supports the Community financially and enables the residents to develop skills, rebuild their self-respect and help others in greater need. 

 

The aim of all Emmaus Communities is to become self-sustaining to the greatest extent possible.  My home county Hampshire takes in second-hand furniture, renovates it and sells it through its shop-front.

 

There is the need to purchase much-needed new tools for furniture restoration and to fund new shelving/racking to make the retail outlet more effective.  Monies donated will go towards this cause.

 

My employer, Vodafone, has agreed to match all contributions made up to £100 and till the end of August through their TextJustGiving service.  TextJustGiving is a free service to charities and 100% of monies donated to this code VSCK50 will be sent to Emmaus and doubled up by Vodafone.

 

To donate text VSCK50 £5 to 70070 and £5 will be donated to Emmaus which will appear on your mobile phone bill.  Vodafone will also donate £5 until £100 is reached.