A Wokingham-based charity has been nominated for a national prize of £5,000.
The Cowshed provides support for people in times of crisis by offering them good quality, cleaned and ironed clothes and other essential items.
First established in 2018 and fully operational since 2019, the Wokingham-based charity has supported more than 20,000 individuals in need.
The charity has been entered in the Climate and Environment Special Draw of the Movement for Good awards in recognition of its environmental efforts.
The draw, run by the Benefact Group, will award £5,000 to 10 charities working in the climate and environment sector.
The Benefact Group,made up of businesses in assets management, insurance and brokering, is donating more than £1 million to charities across the UK.
Those working at Cowshed have said the funding ‘will enhance our efforts to provide essential clothing and bedding while championing environmental sustainability’.
Their work minimises waste by sourcing and recycling second-hand items – with every piece of clothing and bedding donated reducing the charity’s carbon footprint.
They also run a community craft group, which transforms recycled fabric into new products.
Since beginning its work in 2019, the Cowshed has experienced ‘remarkable growth’, receiving referrals from social services, foodbanks, schools, refugees, churches and doctors.
Items that they accept for donation include baby items, toiletries, bedding, toys and children’s books. School uniform for any Berkshire state school, as well as unbranded school uniform, is also very welcome.
The winners will be announced on Friday, August 23.
