Residents of Bosco are wrapped up nice and warm for the start of the New Year after a massive donation of hoodies from local skate park Rampworx.
The donation of nearly 100 hooded tops, all brand new, was the brainchild of Rampworx employee, Jay Matthews. Jay said: “We had a lot of old stock that was taking up space in our storeroom, so I thought we could donate it to various charities. I checked with my boss, Paul, if this would be OK and he agreed.”
Jay added: “We have distributed lots of the hoodies to other local charities, but I thought it would be a great idea to donate some to the homeless. That’s when I got in touch with Bosco House. I just thought, who would really benefit from some nice warm tops at this time of year and, of course, the homeless and rough sleepers came to mind. I hope they get well used and make a difference.”
Rampworx boss, Paul Hunter, said: “I thought it was a great idea of Jay’s. The tops were just lying around, taking up space, so we were glad to help. I’m sure the homeless will appreciate them as it gets colder.”
The hoodies were welcomed at Bosco, as support worker Louise confirmed: “I think it’s great, and very generous, of Rampworx to donate these hoodies. They’re really good quality and nice and warm.”
Louise added: “We often have to give out emergency clothing to our residents, particularly the rough sleepers that use our sit-up service. Each person that used the sit-up last night got one and they were made up!”
Rampworx originally opened in 1997 but, within two years, it became so successful they had to relocate to larger premises. In 2000, they had to expand again and opened on their the current site that, at 55,000 square feet, is the largest skate park in the UK. In 2013, they expanded the site to 70,000 square feet, making it one of the largest indoor skate parks in Europe.
Rampworx is also a registered children’s charity. They work with 1000 young people each week through a range of developmental activities and sports, BMX, Inline Skating and Skateboarding all under one roof. You can find out more by searching rampworx.com.