Once Again a Freight and Logistics Company Steps up to the Charity Plate

UK – Dover based Priority Freight is doubtless considering how Brexit may result in an upswing in its work load but, just before Christmas, the time-critical logistic specialists made a different type of urgent delivery close to home with a donation to the Dover Outreach Centre which offers hope to the homeless men and women in and around the town. In addition to the financial assistance the company gave an assortment of Christmas gifts and staff have pledged to continue to support the charity.

The Outreach Centre was chosen as a recipient following a visit to the company’s head office from its Chair of Trustees, Noel Beamish whose stories of the hardship of some local residents and the tireless dedication of the charity's volunteers really touched Priority Freight's management team. Dover with its ferry port is of course a prime destination for those dispossessed having often arrived in the town from far afield

The Dover Outreach Centre, which served around 12,000 breakfasts to those in need during 2018, also formed a Social Enterprise in July 2017 and currently has four people involved in the project. Its aim is to work with homeless people offering a training and mentoring route back into employment though learned skills such as painting, decorating, landscaping and carpentry. On receiving the gifts from Priority Noel Beamish said:

"Priority Freight's donation will support us in our work. Homelessness has increased which adds to the pressure put on charities such as ours and this often stretches us, particularly at this time of year. We hope the Social Enterprise will in time produce a profit and contribute to our overall overheads, helping to make us more sustainable in the future.

”However, the challenges ahead and no abatement of people finding themselves in a homeless situation, means we have to rely on the public and businesses, such as Priority Freight, to see us through and ensure we can help as many of Dover's homeless people back into society and feeling as though they are contributing to the community,”

Since opening its day centre doors, over 600 people have benefited from the charity's help. Of these, the Dover Outreach Centre has helped house 98 people and found work for a further 62 with the aid of other agencies, the local authority and charities. All this whilst reliant on the generosity of donations. Neal Williams, Group Managing Director at Priority Freight, commented:

"Those who don't have a shelter over their heads on the coldest nights of the year, or know where their next meal will come from, are among the most vulnerable in our society. Charities, such as the Dover Outreach Centre, are a beacon on a dark night and provide the basic necessities we take for granted, such as a shower, breakfast and clean clothes. The support offered by the Dover Outreach Centre is truly impressive. I can only encourage other local businesses to support the charity's excellent work."

Photo: Alcohol is often to be found having an influence with regard to homelessness and this shot, taken pre 1896 shows the Temperance Hotel at the junction of Biggin, New and Cannon Streets in Dover, clearly demonstrating that the social problems in the town are long standing.