Loose Ends Named Law Firm’s Charity Of The Year For 2020

A drop-in centre which provides food to homeless and vulnerable people in Newbury is set for a fundraising boost in the New Year thanks to a fundraising initiative by a local law firm.

For the second year running, staff in the Newbury and Reading offices of Irwin Mitchell voted for Loose Ends to be their Charity of the Year. The news follows a £3,000 Christmas donation by the firm to the charity in 2019.

Each year, staff get to vote to select a good cause in the local community to support over the next 12 months via voluntary work and fundraising activities. The initiative is part of the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation (IMCF), an independent charity that has raised more than £2 million for a range of good causes since it was established in 1997.

Run by more than 70 dedicated volunteers, Loose Ends serves an average of 140 meals a week and also offers food parcels, clothing, sleeping bags and toiletries to those in need.

Founded in 1990, Loose Ends assists the homeless and vulnerable in the Newbury area, not just with food but by providing guidance and signposting to other agencies or charities that can offer other forms of assistance.

Expert Opinion

“All of us have been impressed with the work Loose Ends does in our region, so it is no surprise that we have nominated them as our Charity of the Year once again.

We are committed to getting involved in the communities where we are based and supporting Loose Ends allows us to do that. They help so many people in our region, from the homeless, to those ‘sofa surfing’ or on low incomes and in need of support, making a real difference to people’s lives. We are proud to be once again able to help them in 2020.” Sarah Phillips - Head of Lifetime and Estate Planning in the Thames Valley

What started in 1990 as a one year trail to help the homeless has blossomed into an organisation that has been active in the local community for over 27 years. Originally open on a Sunday for a sandwich lunch, cooked meals soon followed and five years ago, started operating five days a week, providing a lifeline for those most in need.

Linda Ferguson, Chair of Loose Ends, said: “Following the donation in December, it was wonderful to learn that Irwin Mitchell will be supporting Loose Ends again in 2020.

“Winter is naturally a very busy time of year and while all support is very much appreciated it is nice to know there is support you can rely on all year round. It was a pleasure working with the Irwin Mitchell team last year and we are looking forward to their help in 2020 once more.”