Homelessness charity Emmanuel House Support Centre has presented Nottingham’s tram network with thank you plaques to express its gratitude for a donation worth thousands of pounds in advertising.
Throughout the winter period Emmanuel House’s winter campaign message ‘You Can Make The Difference’ was applied to a tram side, tram stops and a double decker bus as a result of free advertising space given by the local transport companies, including NET and Nottingham City Transport, worth around £25,000.
Emmanuel House, which has a support centre on Goose Gate in Hockley and is operating a night shelter at a local hotel, was anticipating a potential income shortfall of £70,000 in 2020 due to the pandemic and the cancellation of many fundraising events.
Thanks to the generosity of these local businesses and over 1,000 people, the appeal raised £138,000 between November and January, marking the most successful appeal in its 45-year history.
Paul Robinson, the tram operator’s Director and General Manager, said: “We were delighted to be able to support this campaign. Emmanuel House is doing fantastic work helping the most vulnerable in the community, a value we share.
“NET serves many key locations around the city, and we hope the colourful posters and eye-catching tram helped raise awareness of the charity and those who need its help.”
Denis Tully, CEO at Emmanuel House commented:
“This year’s winter campaign was the most successful ever. We are indebted to NET and Nottingham City Transport, for their tremendous help and support in raising awareness about our campaign and the work we do in helping people out of homelessness. Their help was an integral part of what was achieved.”
Emmanuel House commissioned local designer Elroy the Artist to artwork to communicate the difference supporters can make to the charity’s work, as well as the difference they can make to their community. The QR code on the tram stop posters links straight to the Emmanuel House website and the 10-minute-long film Lone.
The short film based on the lived experiences of homelessness provides insight into how homelessness happens and how Emmanuel House provides support. As a local and independent charity, with no statutory funding for its core services, Emmanuel House relies on donations from individuals, schools, fundraising and businesses to continue providing much needed support and services to the homeless and vulnerably housed in Nottingham.