CALA has made a further £3,000 donation to a Scottish-born charity to help with its efforts to end homelessness across Glasgow.
Following the housebuilder’s first donation of £2,000 at the start of the pandemic, the West of Scotland region is gifting a further £3,000 to Social Bite, as part of a ‘roof donation’ scheme at its Prince’s Quay development in Glasgow.
As part of the charity partnership between Cala Homes (West) and Social Bite which kicked off in 2020, a ‘roof donation’ per property built at the development was agreed, alongside a variety of other initiatives, to help the organisation support people experiencing homelessness.
As the first phase of homes at the city centre development are now reserved, a further £3,000 has been donated to Social Bite to support its initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness including supported housing and employment, and free food provision.
Just last month, Cala Homes (West) went to see the charity’s work in action at the re-launch of its coffee shop in Glasgow. The shop will offer training and employment opportunities to people in a situation of homelessness and run its signature ‘Pay It Forward’ system where customers can buy a meal or hot drink for someone in need.
Josh Littlejohn, co-founder of Social Bite said, “It’s fantastic that Cala Homes (West) has completed this next phase of development and continued its donation initiative. These funds will go towards our programmes that support people experiencing homelessness through meaningful jobs, homes with wrap around support and free food.
“This includes two new Social Bite Villages; innovative, highly supported communities which offer the right support, living environment and opportunities for residents to break the cycle of homelessness. One of these pioneering projects will be in Greater Glasgow and we are so grateful for Cala Homes’ support which is helping to make it a reality.”
Liana Canavan, sales and marketing director for Cala Homes (West), added, “The work Social Bite is doing to support those most in need across the city is incredible, so we’re delighted to be able to continue to support the charity and the fantastic work it does to make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable in our society. It’s a real privilege to have this charity partnership with Social Bite, and we hope this donation will go towards helping some of the key projects it is working on at the moment.”
Meanwhile, a team from Cala Homes (North) and its partners and suppliers is set to walk more than 18 kilometres in June, aiming to raise £10,000 for the Samaritans charity.
The ‘Cala North Walk 1875’, is a sponsored walk between each of Cala’s developments, beginning at Murtle Den Park at Oldfold Village and finishing at Craibstone Estate South, with the 18.75km distance reflecting the year Cala was established as the City of Aberdeen Land Association in 1875.
Cala employees, subcontractor partners and suppliers will complete the walk on Friday 30th June to help raise awareness of mental health issues in the construction industry and encourage people to open up and talk to others.
Steve Jarvie, construction director at Cala Homes (North), said, “A sponsored walk in aid of Samaritans is something we’ve been planning to do for a long time. Mental health is a high priority for Cala especially as the risk of suicide is significantly higher than the national UK average for males who work in the construction industry.
“We’ve carried out various initiatives already, such as training our people as Mental Health First Aiders and hosting a seminar focussed on mental wellbeing last year.
“Our aim with the Cala North Walk 1875 is to raise more than £10,000 for the Samaritans whilst also taking the time to communicate with one another as we clock up the miles. We’re keen to support the vital work that the charity does as well as raise awareness of talking to your colleagues, friends and family.”
Harriet Foster, corporate partnerships executive at Samaritans, said, “We’re so grateful to Cala for their continued support over the years – this is a fantastic charity partnership and Cala colleagues have shown so much support for Samaritans. The Cala North team’s ambitious 1875 walk is a great example of how colleagues have come together to raise vital awareness and funds for Samaritans.
“Many people may be finding things tough at the moment. With the rising cost of living, It is as important now as it has ever been that people who are seeking help with their money are also offered help with their mental health, and vice versa. It is vital that our volunteers are able to continue to be there 24/7 for anyone struggling to cope, no matter what they’re facing, and we are so grateful for Cala’s support.”
Cala has partnered with Samaritans since 2020, fundraising and donating more than £450,000 so far to support the charity’s work.
Recently all 36 members of Cala Homes (North) construction team completed mental health first aid training as part of the company’s commitment to mental health awareness and support.
You can support the Cala North Walk 1875 by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/page/calanorthwalk.
