Salvation Army named as Pickfords’ Charity of the Year

The Salvation Army is delighted to have been named by the removals and storage company Pickfords, as its Charity of the Year.

The focus of the partnership will be on raising funds to support the church and charity’s work on combating homelessness.

Major Hilarie Watchorn, The Salvation Army Assistant Territorial Director for Homelessness Services, said: “We are delighted that Pickfords has chosen The Salvation Army as its Charity of the Year and look forward to working closely with them as they support our work with people who are homeless.

“Every day our frontline services are seeing the effect of the pandemic on people who are already homeless or at risk of losing their homes, and are forced to use our food banks and drop in centres, which provide practical support for the vulnerable. Sadly, we expect this need to increase as the long-term economic effects of the pandemic are felt and more people lose their livelihoods.

“This partnership with Pickfords will help to raise vital funds towards the practical support provided for rough sleepers, like blankets and hot meals, showers, clean clothes, food parcels, a safe space and importantly a friendly face.”

The church and charity houses and cares for 3,000 people in over 80 Lifehouses (supported housing for former rough sleepers) across the UK and the Republic of Ireland and runs a network of drop ins and outreach services.

Pickfords, which has its headquarters in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, will encourage customers to donate to The Salvation Army using specially designed packing cartons.

Staff at the removals and storage company will be encouraged to take part in fundraising events such as the London Marathon, and the company will also donate to The Salvation Army for every customer review left on the TrustPilot website.

Steve Wilkins, Director of Corporate Services at Pickfords, said: “We are delighted to have teamed up with The Salvation Army, having seen the vital support that is carried out at the Lifehouses to help homeless people.

“We will be encouraging our employees to take part in fundraising events like the London Marathon and making it easier for our customers to donate to The Salvation Army using a QR code on our packaging.”

The ‘Charity of the Year’ builds on a long running relationship between the two organisations, with Pickfords managing house moves for Salvation Army officers.