In the past we've shouted out our fellow independent businesses as a means of celebrating community spirit, but it’s important to remember those who are supporting the area behind the scenes. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is the value of organisations that help uplift those who need it most – we've worked with some of them in the past, and we'd love to get their names on your radar if you're feeling generous. So without further ado, let's introduce a handful of the local charities we love.
Our friends in Black Friday boycotting, Clothes for Causes is an entirely volunteer-led non-profit organisation based in Greenwich. They're a charity clothing store who help over 5,000 people a year, distributing in excess of 15,000 items to people in need. Their boutique store is packed with unloved gems waiting to be taken home. They have been an invaluable resource for homeless people in the area before and during the pandemic, and using fashion for good is a cause we're more than happy to get behind.
Lockdown has had an adverse on many people’s mental health. Charities like the Mental Health activity Trust have been a lifeline for many people who have suffered as a result. From training and support sessions to help with job applications to CV, the MHA has been instrumental in getting many people back on their feet. The MHA is one of the unsung heroes of this pandemic, and they deserve a little local love!
We take our hats off to the volunteers at food banks like the Lewisham Foodbank. Throughout COVID, many people have been dependent on the service they provide. Over the course of last year, they provided a staggering 4,327 three-day emergency food supplies to people who needed it most. A sincere thank you from us is in order – just visit their website if you’d like to get involved.
The Dulwich Almshouse
The Dulwich Almshouse Charity is a charity that operates a small almshouse in Dulwich – if you live in Dulwich or are a regular visitor, you'd recognise it instantly. They provide quality, affordable, supported accommodation to low-income older people over the age of 60, whilst also providing small grants to other charities that share their aims, such as the Bishopsgate Foundation, St Luke’s Trust, St Christopher’s Hospice and more. These are all valuable causes, and we're happy to extend a MB shout-out to The Dulwich Almshouse.
Dulwich and Greenwich wouldn’t be the places they are without organisations like this – if you have a spare moment or a few spare pennies, visit their sites and see how you can help. It's never a bad time to spread a little generosity.
Love,
Team MB