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News and Events

SFE News and Events December 2011

News: Record number of clients receive support from the SFE

As the 2011 calendar year closes the SEF can report a record year on a number of fronts. Many thanks are therefore due to staff and volunteers.

First the SFE has supplied furniture to 620 households during the calendar year 2011. This is against an operating target of 500 – the actual delivery was therefore some 24% above the target.

Much of that gain can be credited to the opportunities presented by the Guildhall management team in facilitating access to additional retail space when available. This has no doubt increased people’s awareness of the work of the Furniture Exchange.

In addition the SFE can report a significant take up of its Information and connection service which was used by 286 clients an add-on believed to be unique with in Furniture Reuse Organisations (FRO’s).

Finally the SFE is delighted to report that 11 volunteers have moved on and secured gainful employment after spending time with the organisation during 2011.

The organisation has become aware of other FRO’s who have a cost base approaching twice that of the SFE who serve just 61% of the SFE’s client base. The cost base of the SFE for the current financial year is £72,000 for the current year. It is therefore a mean machine but like other charities faces many challenges in securing the funding it needs to cover its costs.

News: Staff and volunteer Christmas Celebrations

Against the above background staff and volunteers justifiably enjoyed their Christmas party which was again held at the Ale and Pie house. The occasion was definitely one of celebration not inebriation.

News: Lee Smith puts his power to good use again.

Now ranked number 3 in Europe Lee Smith, power press lifter, is once again lending a hand as a volunteer at the SFE as part of his nursing studies. As the Olympics near everyone at the SFE is keeping their fingers crossed that Lee will secure the selection he has worked so hard for.

Events: Come & Meet the SFE: 27th January and 17th February.