A homelessness charity in London is celebrating a significant boost after leading decorating and DIY specialist Leyland partnered with AkzoNobel to raise more than £20,000.
Leyland, which has 35 stores across London, and paint giant AkzoNobel pledged to donate £1 each for every tin of Dulux Trade or Dulux Heritage sold of 750ml or more over a two-week period in December.
The campaign included both in-store and online sales.
Tradespeople and home improvers rose to the challenge, buying thousands of tins of paint to generate the huge donation.
The money will be used by St Mungo’s, the second largest homelessness charity in the UK, to help the near-5,000 people who are sleeping on the streets of London – a 42% increase on the same period last year.
Martin Hastings, CEO at Leyland, said: “Along with our friends at AkzoNobel, we are delighted to be able to make this significant donation to St Mungo’s.
“It’s desperately sad that almost 5,000 people are sleeping on the streets of London, particularly during these cold months. St Mungo’s are committed to reducing that number by going out every night, finding people sleeping rough and helping them into safe accommodation.
“London has been home to Leyland for 40 years and we are committed to helping communities around the city.”
Peter Howard, Sustainability, CSR & Partnership Lead at Dulux, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Leyland to support St Mungo’s in their vital mission to provide shelter, support, and care to the homeless.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the campaign, ensuring that their decorating projects not only transformed homes but also brightened the lives of those experiencing homelessness.”
St Mungo’s operates at the frontline of the homelessness crisis, providing essential services to those experiencing or, at risk of, homelessness.
Laura Herring, Director of Fundraising & Communications for St Mungo’s, said: “We are delighted with this partnership, which has helped spread our message to the heart of the London communities we support while raising essential funds for our vital services, especially during the coldest winter months.”
Amongst its services, St Mungo’s offers a construction programme, which equips people with qualifications in skills like painting, wallpapering, plumbing and dry lining.
These accredited courses pave the way for participants to secure employment, often through connections with construction firms, helping individuals rebuild their lives with confidence and stability.
Leyland stores are found in prominent locations across London, stocking a comprehensive range of products, including paint and decorating essentials, tools, hardware, electrical and plumbing equipment and building materials.
