Build UK 2020 challenge – Donation to The Cathedral Archer Project

On the 29th November Nick Shepherd, Julie Steward and Donna Howard had the pleasure of visiting the Cathedral Archer Project in Sheffield to finally hand over the monies raised from the Yorkshire leg of the Kier Build UK 2020 challenge. Tim Renshaw, Chief Executive of the Cathedral Archer Project and Tracy Viner, Marketing and Development Manager were on hand and excited to accept the cheque on behalf of the charity.

Cathedral Archer Project first started providing support in 1989 by which time Sheffield Cathedral had become a regular place of shelter for people who had nowhere else to go and nothing to do. The congregation responded by providing them with a basic breakfast. The Archer Project quickly established itself as a city centre venue where homeless people felt welcome. What started as tea and toast served by members of the Cathedral congregation has developed and expanded into a holistic service designed to help homeless people to improve their lives.

In 2007 the project moved in to purpose built premises within the Cathedral containing showers and laundry services, interview rooms for 1-1 work, a lounge area with computers, a professional kitchen, a medical room and an education/activity room. This allows the charity to provide a service of greater breadth and depth than they were previously capable of.

Tracy Viner of the Cathedral Archer project said “Working with Kier is not just about raising money from the event we jointly organised. They bring so much more. The thought and planning that goes into matching the values of our charity and meeting the needs of our clients through their fundraising is key. And it isn’t a one off. They have bought into the ethos of our work to support people from sleeping bag to employment. They have sold this to their team and since doing their event have found multiple ways to support our work and build a long term sustainable relationship with some immediate wins for both organisations.”