Featuring the Only A Pavement Away logo and contact information, it is hoped the branded thermal flasks will raise awareness of the charity and its services to vulnerable individuals in need across both cities, whilst also helping to keep them hydrated throughout the year.
With a number of organisations including Greene King, The Ivy Collection, Craft Union Pub Company, Thomas Franks Ltd, The Strand Palace Hotel, The Athenaeum Hotel, Caterer.com, KAM Media and Bums on Seats all pledging their support, the £7,000 running costs of the Fill a Flask 2020 campaign were met through sponsorship and donations from Greene King, Thomas Franks Ltd and a very generous donation from an anonymous donor.
Greg Mangham, founder of Only A Pavement Away, which he set up to help those living on the streets, as well as ex-offenders and vulnerable veterans, find employment in the hospitality industry, said: “After we received such an amazing level of support during last year’s Fill a Flask campaign, we didn’t think it would be possible to top our end result.
“But once again we have been blown away by the enthusiasm and generosity of the hospitality industry and we are thrilled that we were able to distribute almost 50% more flasks this time around.
“As we look ahead to the rest of the year, we are busy finalising plans for our upcoming Winter Warmth campaign in November which will see volunteers hand out warm clothing, sleeping bags and toiletries to homeless individuals across numerous cities in the UK.
“Our plan is to ensure that both initiatives become firm annual fixtures in the charity calendar and we hope that many businesses and individuals will continue to lend us their support.”
Fill a Flask 2020 was also made possible thanks to backing from leading London restaurant group QOOT, responsible for operating brands such as The Lebanese Bakery, and by CHLOE., who not only raised crucial funds but also provided volunteers and water filling stations at several of their sites in London.
To find out more about Only A Pavement Away, register your interest as a volunteer, or make a donation, visit: https://onlyapavementaway.co.uk.