Future looking up for charity (From Warrington Guardian)

Future looking up for charity

A CHARITY whose storage building was gutted by arsonists is looking to relaunch its community furniture reuse project on a much bigger scale.

Furniture Finders, which was based at Over Recreation Ground, is putting together a £100,000 bid for funding from the Community Recycling and Economic Development (CRED) programme.

It was in the early hours of October 12 last year when arsonists broke into the shop, causing around £1,000 of damage.

Since then co-founders Deina Smith and Gary Cliff have wondered whether it was the end of the charity.

Now there is hope and Gary is looking to start again and provide not only cheap furniture for needy people but also furniture for everyone.

He said: "We wondered whether there was a need for us to start again.

"But we have realised there is a big hole in Cheshire for this type of business.

"We are going for it and we are looking to go much bigger."

Gary said Cheshire County Council and Vale Royal Borough Council had been very supportive.

And on Monday, Winsford Town Council offered its support.

Gary added: "We are feeling very hopeful.

"We should know by the end of October whether we have been successful in our bid.

"I feel there is light at the end of the tunnel. At one point I didn't know if there was going to be a future."

The charity is looking for volunteers.

If anyone would like to help they should ring Gary on 01829 760987.