Member Article

Norwich retailer supports local Christian charity

A charity that helps men to re-integrate into society has received a boost from a Norwich flooring retailer.

As part of its commitment to supporting local good causes, Flooring Superstore has provided flooring worth £300 to the kitchen renovation project at one of the properties run by House of Genesis.

Based in Norwich, the Christian charity has for 21 years worked with men released from prison, those suffering drug and alcohol addiction as well as the homeless.

It offers a safe place to stay and assists the men to find long term accommodation. The charity also provides guidance on life-skills and, along with other agencies, advice on finance management, skills training, health, and well-being.

The charity’s general manager Alan Barker said: “In many cases men have been institutionalised through being looked after for most of their lives. They may have a lack of self-esteem, feel that their lives are meaningless. We aim to give a sense of purpose, to become independent and to integrate back into society.”

Alan said the new kitchen flooring, which has been supplied by Flooring Superstore from its outlet in Barker Street, Norwich, can help raise pride in the home and is an opportunity for the men to contribute positively.

He added: “We are grateful to Flooring Superstore because we are mainly funded through housing benefit and donations like this. We also rely heavily on donations of items such as clothing and furniture.

“The kitchen was in a particularly poor state, so this is very welcome. The men themselves are painting the kitchen and one of them is a floor layer so he will be putting the flooring down.”

Flooring Superstore Regional Manager Simon Forrester said: “We only opened our Norwich store in May, so it’s pleasing to have been able to support a local charity which is doing great work helping people to turn their lives around.

“Our corporate social responsibility programme was set up to support charities like House of Genesis and to generally give something back to the areas where have stores.

“It’s our own small way of saying thank you for the support we receive from the local community who buy our products.”

Flooring Superstore donated graphite oak vinyl flooring for the project.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Neil Shaefer .