Orchard Square, the destination shopping and leisure location based in the heart of Sheffield centre, has announced that The Archer Project will remain their chosen charity of the year for a third year running, allowing them to further build on the success of the partnership to date.
The Archer Project, a centre for homeless and vulnerable adults, is based less than a mile from Orchard Square at the back of Sheffield Cathedral, and provides a safe, warm, welcoming environment where people can come to take steps to change their lives, on the pathway out of homelessness.
The charity works to provide crisis support, medical support, development opportunities through a volunteer scheme, and work place openings through social enterprises – one being Printed by Us, the award-winning screen printing workshops and related merchandise store, now located in Orchard Square.
News of the ongoing partnership follows the appointment of Archer Project beneficiary, Danielle Richards, to the role of Security Officer within Orchard Square. Commenting on her new role, Danielle said: “I am absolutely delighted to take on this role as a fully trained Door Supervisor and CCTV badge holder – something I have aspired to do since I was 15 years old .
“As a teenager I sought help at The Archer Project and through their support I was able to rebuild my life and develop the skills I needed.
“Orchard Square is a great company to work for, and a great team to be part of in terms of collaboration and ongoing development. It’s very poignant for me that the company I’m now working for are supporters of The Archer Project, the organisation which has helped me to get the role I do today.”
Orchard Square Manager, Shay Murray comments: “As a business, we are proud to continue our support for The Archer Project, our city centre neighbour, in their ongoing work across our local communities.
“We have various plans in place over this next year, working with our tenants to raise awareness and funds through events – and another sleepout – for this very worthwhile cause, supporting positive change for vulnerable people within our city.
“And a big welcome to Danielle who has recently joined our security team. Through our link with Printed by Us, where she was working, we identified her as a potential candidate for our security team – and following interviews she landed the job! We are delighted to have her on board: she is a great asset to the team.”
Tim Renshaw, CEO at The Archer Project, said: ““We love our partnership with Orchard Square. They are so supportive and, from a city point of view, businesses working with charities is really important.
“Homelessness impacts all of us and it’s only together that we’ll understand and address the awfulness of homelessness and build opportunities to change lives.”
Last year members of the Orchard Square team took part in The Archer Project’s Bossin’ It city wide Sleep Out campaign, raising £3,000 in sponsorship.
Orchard Square endeavours to work and support a range of local and regional charities each year. Last year the Square was a proud supporter of Roundabout, a Sheffield based local youth housing charity; and Cash for Kids, a charity project in conjunction with Hallam FM, which collectively raised £18,000.
