Thermos UK has teamed up with homeless charity Simon on the Streets in Leeds to provide flasks for hot drinks to keep rough sleepers warm during the colder nights. The team has also raised over £2,000 for the charity in a sponsored ‘Sleep with Simon’.
As homelessness in the region reaches record highs and the problem becomes more visibly evident, Thermos UK wanted to make a contribution. As a Leeds based business, Thermos UK approached Simon on the Streets, an independent, Leeds based charity supporting entrenched rough sleepers across Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield, to see how they could help.
Both parties quickly realised that there was an opportunity to be able to give entrenched rough sleepers a flask that they could regularly refill and that could give them the opportunity to keep a drink hot for up to 18 hours. Bearing in mind that many rough sleepers move around day to day, Thermos UK selected their ‘Light and Compact’ stainless steel 500ml flask which is durable and easily transported.
Simon on the Streets is in the process of distributing the flasks to the entrenched homeless in the region in preparation for the colder weather. However, the charity is also embarking on a tie up with key coffee shops. If a rough sleeper with one of the Thermos UK flasks and the Simon on the Streets logo sticker on the back approach one of the participating coffee shops, they will get a free hot drink.
“We are delighted to support such a great charity,” said Nick Kime, md of Thermos UK, adding: “The level of homelessness in the region, let alone in the UK, is at a critical mass, working with Simon on the Streets, we’re happy to be able to play our part in supporting the work they’re doing.”
Thermos UK is also replacing the charity’s worn out drinks dispensers with its Thermos 2.5 litre Pump Pots (keeping drinks warm for more than 12 hours) used for Simon on the Streets’ weekly sandwich and hot drink run.
Meanwhile, the Thermos UK marketing trio has taken part in ‘Sleep with Simon’, spending a night sleeping rough (albeit very safely). With a lot of support from the Thermos UK team the trio has raised £2,370 for the charity.
Fahad Khan, development manager, Simon on the Streets commented: “We’re delighted and incredibly thankful that Thermos UK have donated these flasks to us. As the weather gets colder it becomes increasingly difficult for rough sleepers to stay warm. Being able to get free hot drinks before cafes close will provide our clients with some respite from the cold through the night when cafes are closed.”
Top: Thermos UK is donating its ‘Light and Compact’ stainless steel 500ml flasks so that homeless people can keep drinks hot for up to 18 hours.
