Food charity launches new furniture and electrical project

Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance has set up a new furniture and electrical project to help people who are struggling with the rising cost of living.

It will see the Osmaston Road-based charity redistribute second-hand furniture and white goods to people who might not be able to afford them  with the aim of diverting them from landfill.

Earlier this year, DF4TA secured a £10,000 prize to set up the project after being voted the most popular new waste reduction enterprise in a social media vote.

Charity manager Paul Brookhouse said: “This new project will provide essential household furniture and kitchen appliances to people in our city who need a helping hand.

“We will be supporting people facing furniture poverty across all walks of life, including families, elderly people struggling with the rising cost of living and those fleeing domestic violence.

“In our first year, we want to help between 200 and 400 households and divert as many as 1,000 pieces of furniture and electrical items from going to waste.

“We have been extremely busy collecting furniture. Already, local businesses and members of the public have been very generous.

“Our storage unit is starting to fill up and soon will become a hive of activity.”

After a public vote in July, the Derby Furniture and Electrical Project was announced as the winner of Biffa’s national Change Makers competition, which was launched to celebrate innovative grassroots organisations working hard to reduce waste and its impact on the environment.

Paul said: “Biffa’s prize money has already made a huge difference. We have been able to secure a dedicated space to store furniture and build an organised team.

“As well as the prize money to invest in the project, we will also receive tailored business support from Biffa.

“Launching a furniture project has always been on our agenda. Alongside re-use and redistribution, recycling produces fewer emissions than disposal and having to use virgin materials to make new goods from scratch.

“This not only helps in the fight against climate change but ensures the preservation of valuable natural resources.”

If you can help DF4TA and its Furniture and Electrical Project, or would like to volunteer on the project, e-mail home@df4ta.com or call 01332 227730.