Homeless Helpline: Tesco launches fundraising drive in support of Centrepoint appeal
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Tesco today began a major fundraising drive across its London stores to support our Young and Homeless Helpline Appeal.
For the next four days, leading up to the launch of the Centrepoint Helpline on Monday, staff will raise money at more than 500 Tesco Express, Metro and Super outlets.
Workers in fancy dress or wearing Centrepoint T-shirts and jackets will be encouraging shoppers to put donations into buckets.
Our appeal has already raised more than £3 million to launch the first Freephone number and web support service for people aged 16 to 25 facing homelessness.
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Tesco’s fundraising will help ensure the long-term future of the helpline and support other vital services for young people living in Centrepoint accommodation.
Martin Smith, the retailer’s London convenience director, said: “We’re always looking at ways to support communities and we’re delighted to pledge our support to Centrepoint and the Evening Standard campaign.
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“Over 500 of our stores in London will be fundraising over the weekend and we’d like to thank customers and colleagues for their support.
‘Support of our customers and staff is humbling’
For the next four days more than 500 of Tesco’s London stores will be fundraising for the Evening Standard’s Young and Homeless Helpline Appeal.
The money will help Centrepoint set up a national support service for those who are, or could become, homeless.
We know our customers, colleagues and their communities care deeply about the plight of the homeless. That’s why we’re doing our bit to help.
We’re delighted to pledge our support to the Standard campaign, and I am confident the helpline will provide vital support.
This builds on the other ways we’re helping our communities. We donate surplus food —which might otherwise have gone to waste — from our stores to local groups, including many that support homeless people, through our Community Food Connection programme.
This provides charities like Evolve Housing + Support in Stockwell with a regular supply of fresh produce, allowing their resources to be focused on helping people off the streets.
I am constantly humbled by the efforts that Tesco colleagues and our customers go to in support of such important causes.
I’d like to thank everyone who will support Centrepoint. It will make a big difference.
Matt Davies
CEO Tesco UK & ROI
"The campaign builds on work we are doing to provide surplus food from our stores to help those in need and I am confident the helpline can offer vital support to help prevent homelessness.”
Adrian Connell, Tesco area manager for central London, said: “Working here, you can’t miss the extent of the homelessness problems and I believe there are more and more young people each year. We are glad to help.”
Singer-songwriter Nicola Hogg, 25, who won best song at the Gigs busking competition organised by the Mayor of London last year, will be performing at Tesco Metros in Regent Street, Soho and Covent Garden over the weekend to help bring in crowds.
She said: “I busk a lot on the Underground and in central London. You can see every day how serious the issue of homelessness is. I’m really pleased to be raising awareness.”
Charlotte Surman, corporate development manager at Centrepoint, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have Tesco behind our campaign and we thank everyone who is going to donate.
"Having it help promote the helpline in the run-up to the launch is also invaluable.”
Tesco is the latest high-level supporter of the Young and Homeless Helpline Appeal — the Standard’s most successful charity drive without government funding.
"Other companies giving their backing include ASOS and Deliveroo.
Currently, some 30,000 of more than 150,000 young people who ask for help with homelessness from local authorities each year are turned away with no advice.
The helpline will offer housing support and, working alongside charity The Mix, help with the issues behind homelessness, such as mental health, family breakdown and addiction.
To give to the appeal, call 0300 330 2731, text HOME66 £5 to 70070 or click here.