HOMELESSNESS charity Emmaus Bradford celebrated the reopening of its flagship secondhand store post-lockdown with a bonanza of upcycling activities designed to give the store a new look.
Visitors to the special event at the charity’s Sunbridge Road store were among the first people to take part in what will be a series of workshops, upcycling stock into a dazzling entrance hall chandelier.
Upcycled glassware, CDs, cutlery and lettering created from donations will be suspended from the ceiling of Emmaus Bradford’s multi-storey headquarters, based on a blueprint drawn up by charity partners, Atelierisms architecture practice.
Fran Graham, General Manager at Emmaus Bradford, said: “We’re all about looking beneath the surface at Emmaus Bradford.
"The upcycled chandelier will showcase what can be achieved by taking a second look at unwanted items that might otherwise have ended up in landfill and upcycling them.
"We’d love to hear from community groups or venues in Bradford who would like to become part of this exciting new project.”
As well as giving away free brews, temporary Emmaus Bradford tattoos and exclusive access to a flash sale on the day (Saturday, September 25), the charity also announced the winners of an upcycling competition to find the best examples from across the local area.
Instagram’s My_Yorkshire_Barn won best overall for a cupboard converted into a computer workstation, while Jlearoyd was highly commended for mats, baskets and jar covers made from recycled t-shirts and plastic.
Income generated from Emmaus Bradford’s two charity shops on Sunbridge Road and Cross Lane is helping towards opening a new Emmaus community which will provide accommodation for people experiencing homelessness in the city, who will then be able to live and gain work experience with the charity.
There are already 28 Emmaus communities across the UK providing a home, meaningful work, daily support and funded training to people who have experienced homelessness.
Emmaus Bradford will be opening the second community in West Yorkshire, with Emmaus Leeds being the first.
Fran added: “Emmaus Bradford has been looking for accommodation to provide a safe place for people to live and work, in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable way.
"By donating and buying goods from the charity, or by getting involved as a volunteer here, you’re not just supporting our cause but you’re also part of Bradford’s growing green revolution.”
Community groups can arrange to host an upcycling workshop by contacting Emmaus Bradford at emmausbradford@outlook.com or by calling 01274 945270.
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