Pub groups help launch ‘flasks for homeless’ campaign
The charity, which helps the homeless, ex-offenders and veterans to find work in the hospitality sector, will launch the ‘Fill a Flask’ campaign next month.
More than 800 thermal flasks filled with water will be handed out to the homeless from Monday 8 July, across London.
Volunteers will hand out the drinks in Victoria, Liverpool Street station, Covent Garden, Charing Cross, Tottenham Court Road, King’s Cross and London Bridge.
It is hoped that the flasks will be used in winter too, and the public will be encouraged to fill individuals’ flasks with hot or cold drinks depending on the weather.
OAPA CEO and founder Greg Mangham spoke of his excitement at the launch.
'Heard our call'
He said: “Thank you to all those companies and individuals who heard our call earlier in the year and helped us fundraise to make this campaign possible. It is such a worthwhile and vital cause, on long hot summer nights, dehydration can pose a real threat to those people living on the streets.
“I would also like to thank all the pubs, bars and restaurants who will be filling stations, allowing us to use their facilities to fill the flasks with water before we distribute them.
"I am looking forward to building on the success of this campaign in London in other cities across the country.”
The charity needs a further £25,000 to be able to take the initiative outside London.
More donations needed
Mangham said: “Any size donation can make a difference, but if companies want to get involved and donate a significant amount, we can include their logo on the flask and promote their involvement in the initiative.”
The branded flasks will work to raise awareness of the charity and its aims.
He added: “As well as providing support for vulnerable people on the street, a key objective of this initiative is to raise awareness of Only A Pavement Away, so we can get the message across about how we can help the homeless find employment in the hospitality industry.
“In doing that, we hope to encourage the public to donate to the charity, which will help us get more people into employment in the long term.”
Some 4,751 people are estimated to be sleeping rough each night, according to figures from the national charity for single homeless people. Homeless charity Crisis also reported a 15% increase on the figure from 2016-2017.
Companies wishing to get involved or financially support the charity through charitable donations can register on the charity’s website.
