The appeal, which aims to raise £26,500 by 5 November 2021, will help to deliver the OAPA Life Skills Hub programme in five cities across the UK.
The programme is aiming to help 250 homeless people, prison leavers and veterans to gain jobs in the hospitality sector over the next 12 months. The Life Skills Hub enables people to gain new skills including CV writing, interview skills and practical work experiences.
The crowdfunding appeal offers rewards in return for a donation including a special hospitality business reward where the charity will register the company on its free online Jobs Board & support in matching them with a suitable Only A Pavement Away candidate, signed copies of the Only A Pavement Away / Tom Aikens Charity Cookbook, a travel mug, tote bag, a baseball cap and pin badge.
Greg Mangham, founder and chief executive of Only A Pavement Away, said: “We’re urging the industry to get behind our Stability Through Employment crowdfunding appeal and pledge to help give someone who has been homeless, the confidence and skills they need to get back into work.
“Right now, there are many thousands of people in our country experiencing homelessness and it is estimated that by 2026 there will be another 1.3 million vacancies in the hospitality sector.
“By supporting Only A Pavement Away, you can help get someone’s life back on track whilst filling the industry with hard-working, committed employees. The sector needs team members with a strong work ethic and our members have that.”
To donate to the crowd funding page, visit here.