A local homeless charity has received a £1,000 donation from Amazon’s UK Head Office.

SPEAR supports vulnerable people across Richmond, Kingston, Wandsworth, Sutton and Merton. The charity works with people whilst they are rough sleeping, enabling them to move away from the street and also offers support for those who need help with addiction issues.

The donation was made as part of the ‘Amazon in the Community’ programme, whereby the company supports the communities around its operating locations across the UK.

SPEAR provides support systems including temporary housing, alternative education, employment training and tenancy support. The charity also offers a ‘Homeless Health Link Service’ which gives homeless people access to primary physical and mental health services as well as dental, sexual health and social services.

SPEAR plans to use the donation on contributing towards a Green Gym at a local hostel which will enable residents to stay active outdoors.

Speaking on the donation, Beth Knight, Amazon in the Community, UK lead, said:

“Home is a place that has been redefined for many of us since the COVID-19 lockdowns. I’m pleased we can support SPEAR’s work with people experiencing homelessness during this unprecedented time.”

Heidi Shrimpton, Head of Supporter Engagement from SPEAR added:

“We are very thankful to the Amazon team for this donation. The money will help us to continue supporting people within our community who find themselves in difficult circumstances.”

Amazon employs over 29,500 people across the UK and has invested over £18bn in the country since 2010.

Community donations is one of a number of ways in which Amazon is supporting communities across the UK during COVID-19.

Amazon is providing disadvantaged students with online STEM courses as well as teaming up with charity partner Magic Breakfast to deliver three quarters of a million healthy breakfasts to families around the UK.