Manchester homeless charity Mustard Tree continues to grow after gaining ownership of the Ancoats building they have rented for the last nine years, courtesy of Pets At Home founder Anthony Preston.
The charity, which was founded over 20 years ago, will be holding an Owners Celebration Event during which Mr Preston will officially make the donation and hand the keys to the charity’s CEO, Adrian Nottingham.
As owners of the building, the homeless charity will be able to apply for refurbishment grants to help them build on the support they give to vulnerable and marginalised people in Manchester.
“Due to the remarkable generosity of the Preston family our main Manchester facilities are now secure, and with the continued help, support and favour of our many friends and partners, we are here for the long haul,” said Mr Nottingham.
“The need for Mustard Tree is greater today than it ever has been and this donation is an absolute game changer for us and has come just at the right time.
“We are already planning how we will complete a necessary refurbishment and best utilise this incredible asset for the future.”
Mr Preston spoke of his joy to be helping and supporting the charity which he believes plays a crucial role in the city.
“We have watched the way it has developed and sought to respond to the needs of those who access its services and interventions,” he said.
“My father would have been very proud to see the old warehouse being put to such positive use and providing a secure and permanent home for Mustard Tree.”
The charity, set up by Dave and Shona Smith in 1994, helps around 4,500 people every year by offering support and working towards long-term solutions.
The majority of the people they help are referred through statutory agencies such as Manchester City Council, the probation service and the NHS.
They provide life support and promote sustainable solutions through the provision of food, clothing and training, and seek to improve the life-skills and well beings of those that they help so that they have the chance to better their lives.
The event will take place on May 17 and be open to the public.
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks
