‘Trash to treasure’ scheme will help raise £700k to help prevent homelessness

This foundation funding, with the first £100,000 supporting the Charity’s COVAID-19 appeal last year, helps the Charity to raise vital funds to support the frontline as well as stop people from ending up on the streets.

The donation this year comes alongside the introduction of three new Renew shops, which sell pre-loved household items donated by residents across Greater Manchester at 15 of the Household Waste Recycling Centres.

The items are cleaned and repaired if necessary at a Hub, based in Trafford Park, before being sold to the public in the Renew shops in an effort to reduce waste, increase reuse, and importantly encourage a circular economy, reducing carbon emissions. Based on donations so far, it is estimated at least 600 tonnes of items will be diverted from waste to reuse in the first year.

All money raised through sales in the shops will be given to good causes in Greater Manchester, including the foundation funding committed to the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity.

Additional funding of £220,000 each year will also be given to the Recycle for Greater Manchester Community Fund which funds community projects aimed at reducing waste and increasing recycling and reuse.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “It’s fantastic that SUEZ is supporting the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity and its vital work to prevent people having to sleep on our streets. This commitment to social value is a core part of Greater Manchester’s partnership with SUEZ, and the donations made over these seven years will help the Mayor’s Charity and frontline organisations make a real difference to people’s lives.

“It’s a great example of our innovative approach here in Greater Manchester. By working together to improve sustainability and cut waste through our Renew Shops, we’re also strengthening our efforts to end rough sleeping in our city-region.”

John Scanlon, Chief Executive of SUEZ recycling and recovery UK said, “We are proud to support the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, enabling them to provide essential funding to end homelessness and support those at risk of homelessness in Greater Manchester. SUEZ is passionate about delivering social, economic and environmental benefits, which is why it’s fantastic to be able to provide the foundation funding to support the Charity from the proceeds of our Renew shops.”

Vanessa Haworth from Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity says: “This incredible investment of foundation funding from SUEZ enables us to do our vital work to reduce and prevent homelessness across Greater Manchester. We are hugely grateful for their ongoing commitment”.