A charity helping more than 30 Leeds households furnish their homes in a typical week is marking its 40th anniversary with a new name and identity.
Leeds & Moortown Furniture Store, established in 1986, is becoming Leeds Furniture Mission. The new name reflects its ongoing work supporting individuals and families across the whole of Leeds.
The charity collects good quality unwanted furniture from homes and businesses and passes it on to people in need, keeping around 9 tonnes of furniture in use and out of landfill each month.
It works with professional referral partners including housing officers, support workers, charities, social services and NHS services. Following a referral and assessment of need, people who may otherwise be moving into accommodation with little or no furniture can choose up to 5 essential items for their homes for free.
Rachel Dodson, CEO at Leeds Furniture Mission, said:
“Furniture is something many of us take for granted, but when you find yourself with very little, having a bed to sleep in, a table to sit around or a comfortable chair can make an enormous difference to their physical and mental health.
“A piece of furniture that someone no longer needs can be just what another person is missing. Our donors and volunteers help us make that connection, giving furniture a second life and people a more comfortable place to call home.”
Alongside household donations, the charity can collect furniture from businesses, offices, hotels and student accommodation, giving organisations a practical way to support their local community when replacing unwanted furniture.
Looking ahead
The rebrand comes as Leeds Furniture Mission seeks to reach more people, build stronger business partnerships and welcome new volunteers.
Gareth Davies, Chair of Trustees of Leeds Furniture Mission, said:
“We’re proud of what this charity has achieved over the past 40 years, and grateful to everyone who has helped make that possible. Our new name reflects the charity we are today. It’s a new name, but the same purpose.
“The need for our service continues, while rising costs and pressure on funding make it harder to meet that need. We’re positive about the future, but we need more people and businesses alongside us to ensure we can continue to meet the ever-growing need.”
Individuals can get involved by donating furniture, volunteering regularly or making a financial contribution. Businesses can help through fundraising, sponsorship, furniture and product donations, professional skills and team volunteering days.
The charity will mark its 40th anniversary at Banyan in Leeds on Tuesday 20 October, thanking supporters who have helped make its work possible over the years and introducing its new identity.
To arrange a free furniture collection, call 0113 273 9727. To find out more about supporting Leeds Furniture Mission, visit leedsfurnituremission.org.uk.
About Leeds Furniture Mission
Leeds Furniture Mission, formerly Leeds & Moortown Furniture Store, is a registered charity established in 1986 at Moortown Baptist Church. It collects and redistributes donated furniture to people in need across Leeds through professional referrals.
Registered charity number: 1061705
Address: Unit F, Seacroft Industrial and Trade Park, Coal Road, Leeds, LS14 2AQ
Website: leedsfurnituremission.org.uk – new website launching soon. Current site: www.leedsandmoortown.org.uk
Ebay store: Ebay.co.uk/usr/
In the gallery below you will see Rachel Dodson, the charity’s General Manager, Gareth Davies – Chair of Trustees – Rachel with Trustees Nick, Steve, Mike and Gareth and one of the mission’s newly branded vans.
