Wiltshire & Swindon Alliance for re-use of Furniture & Electrical Equipment
Refurbiz based in Devizes, Wiltshire
Refurbishing
Electrical Appliances
For those in need
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“Gone are the days when outdated furniture was put on the skip or bonfire.
Everything is recycled these days and Kennet Furniture Project and Refurbiz had a joint open day on Friday to show that nothing need go to waste in these difficult economic times.
Kennet Furniture Project was set up in 1996 as a way of helping homeless people who had just moved into new accommodation but who had no way of furnishing it.
An appeal was put out for unwanted household items and a small army of volunteers came forward to refurbish them and sell them at reasonable prices to people with very little spare cash.
Ken Brown, the project’s current chairman of trustees said: “We have people who come in and say, ‘I’ve just been given a flat and I have nothing to put in it’. “ What is most satisfying is that we are able to help people get back on their feet.”
Kennet Furniture Project has grown out of all recognition since its early days based in someone’s garage.
It now has three units at Horton Industrial Estate and has recently been joined by another recycling charity Refurbiz, that reconditions electrical and white goods for resale.
Mr Brown said: “Refurbiz moving in here has saved £25,000 in rent annually. These days grant aid is more difficult to find and we need as much revenue as we can to cover our overheads.”
For this reason, the two charities are now selling to members of the public, rather than just to welfare benefit recipients referred to them. There is a wide choice of items from beds, to bedside cabinets, washing machines to dressers.
Together, the two charities support more than 3,000 families in need in what used to be the Kennet district, taking in Devizes, Marlborough, Pewsey and Tidworth, although they are now moving into Amesbury as well. By offering affordable furniture and large household electrical appliances such as washing machines, cookers, fridges and freezers, they help turn houses into homes.
More than 40 volunteers, including trustees, help out, although they are always looking for more. Call Kennet Furniture project on (01380) 720722 or Refurbiz on (01380) 720200.”
GOOD AS NEW: Philip Ingram, manager, Ken Brown, trustee and Karin Horney, manager, with Staff at the open day
By Lewis Cowen
lcowen@gazetteandherald.co.uk
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Registered Charity Number 1107150
