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Hands in air for Terry

27/12/2007

AT 6’ 7" tall you could hardly call Terry Waite Santa’s little helper, but he’s certainly doing his bit for the homeless.

Mr Waite, who is president of homeless charity Emmaus, called in at the Mossley project to launch its winter campaign.

Festive

Residents at the centre, which offers homeless people accommodation and work, have been donating hats, gloves and socks to people sleeping rough on the streets during the festive season.

The residents, none of whom are on any benefits, earn money for their work at the centre on Queen Street, and have donated £250 worth of winter warmers to distribute at drop-in centres.

Mr Waite said: "The important thing is that these hats and gloves are being supplied by the homeless to the homeless. The money for these things has come out of their earnings."

Resident Dennis Morton added: "We have had so much help here at the community that we want to give something to the people who were struggling as we once were.

"I was homeless before I came here, so I know what it feels like. Emmaus is an organisation that believes in empowering people to help themselves and to help others."

The charity is appealing for old sleeping bags. It is urging residents who are thinking of getting rid of old sleeping bags not to throw them in the bin but to drop them at the centre so they can distribute them to the homeless.

For information contact Emmaus on 01457 836479.