More than sixty staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters gathered last night (Tuesday) to celebrate forty years of the Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store turning “houses into homes”. However, this was no ordinary celebration.
That’s because the event which took place at Banyan in City Square, exactly four decades on from when Hilary Willmer urged Moortown Baptist Church to set up such a venture, took the opportunity of not only totally revamping its image but for the first time ever to promote itself as never before.
By commissioning a marketing consultant and a professional film maker (you can see the video by clicking HERE) each of whom were at the very top of their game the charity’s CEO and its five trustees not only came up with a new name – Leeds Furniture Mission – but a snappy logo and several new ways of attracting corporate sponsors, individual or teams of volunteers.
Rachel Dodson, who manages LFM told guests that the charity’s fortieth anniversary not only marked an incredibly significant milestone but gave her and what she calls her “brilliant team” the impetus required to build on four decades of service to socially and economically disadvantaged people.
Likewise, Chair of Trustees, Gareth Davies, reiterated the board’s commitment to its original Mission Statement by saying that whilst for some people the new name may take a bit of getting used to it does, nevertheless, reflect the charity’s Christian roots.
Finally, John Sherbourne a long serving Chair of Trustees paid tribute to Hilary Willmer the lady who all those years ago spotted a weakness in the benefits system, which she feared might lead to some people being unable to cope with such a change falling into debt.
Sadly, Hilary was unable to attend the function but as she reads this she can rest assured that her efforts were not in vain.