Kier, a leading provider of construction and infrastructure services, has have joined forces with housing provider Optivo to provide a much-needed boost to a charity’s vital work.
Dom’s Food Mission distribute thousands of meals from local community Downs Farm Community Centre, in Crowborough Road, Hastings, each month.
However, the area they were working from was looking tired, run down and was no longer fit for purpose.
Now, their workspace has been dramatically transformed thanks to Kier and Optivo. The transformation project was delivered in partnership with subcontractor, Gunfire, who install kitchens and bathrooms.
The team have transformed two main rooms in the centre into a modern, effective workspace, installing new worktops, electrics, flooring and redecorated the spaces. They also redesigned the existing toilets with new flooring, new hand dryers and sanitary items.
Award winning Dom’s Food Mission was set up by Dom Warren, after seeing struggling, hungry children in Hastings. The charity collects surplus food from local stores and distributes it to local food banks, and those in need. During the first lockdown, Dom’s team delivered over 35,000 meals to the local community.
Simon Will, operations director at Kier Places, said: “Working collaboratively with Optivo and our sub-contractor Gunfire, we are proud to support Dom’s Food Mission, what they do is hugely important for the local community of Hastings. “We listened to the needs of Dom and his team and utilised our skills and expertise to renovate the community centre, to provide modern and purpose-built facilities that will support them as they carry out their fantastic work.”
Rachel Pearson, Optivo’s Community Assets Manager, said: “In these challenging times for many families, it’s essential we ensure they’re getting access to the support Dom’s Food Mission can provide. We’re delighted to work with Kier on this give back project to upgrade the building for Dom’s Food Mission Hub on the Downs Farm Estate. The transformation that Kier have carried out at the Community Centre will enable Dom’s Food Mission to continue to drive forward their goals of helping to feed families who need extra help and to reduce food waste. Once the Community Centre can be re-opened to the public again Optivo residents and the whole community at Downs Farm will really benefit from these upgraded facilities!”
Dom Warren, Founder and CEO of Dom’s Food Mission, commented: “It’s been a pleasure working with Kier. They are clearly a great company, full of kind people. I’d like to send a massive thank you. Without this base and clean facility, we would not be able to support the Hastings community and continue our important mission in this challenging time.”
To find out more about Dom’s great charity work, please go to domsfoodmission.com.