One of our most valued clients in Ralph Lauren Manchester is a lovely man called Robert. Robert was homeless on the streets of Manchester for 9 years and has a story of pain, struggles and hardship,as well as of determination, resilience and inspiration. He’s been our client for a few years after calling our store to get help with an RL shirt that needed alterations. We bought him into store and helped it to fit him perfectly. Since then, he regularly buys special pieces from our store : he even bought a shirt for an interview for his first job (he got the job and it’s now his lucky RL shirt!).

We have often talked about sending a gift to Robert but champagne and flowers didn’t seem appropriate. So earlier this year, I inquired with him as to where he went when he was homeless. He told me about a little shelter in Manchester called The Beacon, run by a small charity called Barnabus. I thought a positive way to show my support and gratitude to him would be for me to give my time and support to help other people, such as Robert.

So I got in touch with the wonderful team at Barnabus and was offered the Monday morning 7- 9am breakfast shift. This involves welcoming people, booking them in for showers, giving them fresh, clean clothes and serving them breakfast, as well as ‘checking in’ with them from a well being point of view. 

I have been doing this every Monday for 7 months and I am so proud to be able to not only offer this time but make people smile (sometimes just by remembering their names) when they have so little to look forward to.

And so my point - on Monday, an important part of our breakfast equipment - the toastie maker - broke! The team at The Beacon are trying to arrange a way to buy another one but I decided I’d like to do it myself. The replacement is £231 and I thought it would be a lovely thing to try  and raise this myself with friends, family and work colleagues that I know. 

I thought I’d ask if anyone (you, your family or work colleagues) would like to help donate to this. It’s not a huge amount but I can’t tell you how much of a difference a warm toastie makes after a night on the cold, wet Manchester streets. And it will bring a huge smile to my face

as I make every toastie, knowing it’s been raised and bought by you, my friends. 

                                  ~~~~~~~~~

Barnabus is a Manchester Christian Homeless Charity bringing hope and transformation to people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping in our City for 30 years.We empower and equip people experiencing homelessness back into a home and independent living with the life skills they need to succeed. We do this through our Outreach, Support Centre, Healthcare and Supported Resettlement Tenancy Scheme. We help with accommodation, recovery from addictions and supporting physical and mental health needs. #endinghomelessnesstogether