A READING based charity which donates pre-loved clothing to individuals and families in need will receive £5,000 worth of funding from the mobile phone network, giffgaff.
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The Cowshed was one of four winners of The Community Projects run by giffgaff which recognises unsung heroes making a difference in their communities.
The charity has been fully operational since mid-February and works alongside the council to provide good quality, cleaned and ironed clothes free to anyone in need.
Kester Russell, the co-founder, said: “The Cowshed is almost entirely managed and run by volunteers and this funding from giffgaff will enable the charity to continue supporting those most in need in the local community.
"The support that giffgaff are offering will also enable us to launch a new initiative to lend prom dresses and suits to those who may not have been able to purchase their own.”
The clothes are donated from the general public as well as retailers and manufacturers where they are then sorted, washed and ironed at a warehouse ready to be delivered or collected by social services, other health professionals or those in need.
To date, the organisation has received over 7500kg in donations all of which has been recycled in some way, preventing over two tons of textiles going into landfill.
giffgaff set up The Community Projects in order to show support for those making a positive change in their community.
The winners were chosen by a hand-selected panel of experts and nominated by members of the giffgaff community.
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