Gym members forgo free coffee to raise funds for people experiencing homelessness

Members of a gym in Altrincham donated money for the coffee they'd normally receive free as part of a loyalty scheme to raise money for The Salvation Army’s Homelessness Services in the local area and raised £450.

After hearing about The Salvation Army’s work with people experiencing homelessness, gym members Garry Heil, Mike Moran and David Craig approached the manager at Total Fitness, Jenny Hague, with a plan to raise funds for the Church and Charity.

Jenny Hague, said: “When Garry, Mike and David suggested we use our coffee loyalty scheme to raise money for homeless people supported by The Salvation Army we were keen to get behind the idea. Members normally get their tenth coffee free, instead they were encouraged to donate and the response we’ve had has been wonderful.”

The Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander, Major Alan Watters, and Rob Long, Regional Manager for Homelessness at the Church and charity visited Total Fitness to thank members and staff for their generosity.

Rob Long, said: “We would like to thank everyone at Total Fitness in Altrincham for their generosity as their donation will make a difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness across the area.

“Homelessness is something that can affect anyone at any time and we support the most vulnerable people, giving them the tools and skills to turn their lives around. It’s not just about providing a bed as homelessness is a complex issue and our skilled, experienced staff work with people on an individual basis to help them achieve their goals, whatever they may be.”

The Salvation Army run three centres (Lifehouses) for people experiencing homelessness in Manchester. If you would like to find out more about this work just visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/homelessness-section.

This year The Salvation Army is celebrating 150 years of transforming lives and it is still at the heart of every community today, supporting those in need.