Brixton charity provides 150 pairs of trainers for homeless and at-risk youth

A Brixton Donation Drive, which took place in Market Row this December, has partnered with Brixton Village-based charities Compliments of the House and Re:Sole to support local communities affected by the challenges of Covid-19.

Volunteers from both charitable organisations were on hand over the fundraising fortnight to receive drop-off donations including trainers and shoes, long-life food and drink products, and cash donations.

Re:sole, the South-London charity which provides fresh footwear for the homeless and at-risk youth, received an overwhelming 150 pairs of trainers.

Aided by the National Lottery community grant, Re:sole also used the unit as an opportunity to continue its Soles for Souls initiative, providing brand new trainers and clothing to young people, families and other charitable organisations impacted by Covid this year.

To supplement Re:sole’s dedicated mission, Hondo Enterprises, will be covering all fit-out costs for the charity’s new unit in Brixton Village.

Re:sole is the latest newcomer to the marketplace and will be opening its permanent headquarters in the new year.

Chris from Re:sole said: “It was a great response over the two-week period from the public and traders alike with so many pairs of trainers donated and new people engaged daily.

“Having a physical space and seeing the foundations of our services benefitting the community has been a great end to a difficult year.

“We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has donated so far and to Brixton Village for hosting us.”

Compliments of the House (COTH), the surplus food distribution hub using local food businesses to provide meals to the homeless, received enough donated food products to feed over 20 local vulnerable people.

The donated goods will contribute towards the charity’s wider pre-Christmas food drive, which catered for over 200 people heavily affected by the pandemic.

Sinead from COTH said: “Together  we build community love. We aren’t just a one-stop-shop for food and other supplies.

“We’re a place to be emotionally nourished and make new connections. Thank you to every single one of you that has donated so far.

“Your generosity and kindness are helping us help our community in so many ways.”

To continue the essential services provided by Sinead and her Brixton team, Hondo Enterprises will be funding the costs to provide a mobile kiosk for Compliments of the House, which will operate on a permanent basis within the marketplace.

Brixton Village also invited local artist Mona Wishkahi to deliver a large-scale graphic-illustration for the charity-led shop façade.

An art director, production designer, and Brixton-based artist, Mona is known for her neon tape artworks, born from her fascination with tapes and their unique colours, from her time working as a set assistant.