CSS raise over £5000 for Manchester-based charity

Countrywide Surveying Services (CSS) has raised £5,070 over the course of December for homeless charity Lifeshare via its customer-facing team in Manchester.

Historically, Countrywide Surveying Services has offered a December discount on home surveys.

However, this year saw the surveying firm swap discounts for donations in a bid to help support the drive to end homelessness after it donated £5 for every survey completed in December.

Lifeshare is Manchester’s oldest charity dedicated to supporting homeless and vulnerable people in Greater Manchester.

It was established in 1984 by a group of volunteers who recognised the lack of support for the city’s increasing number of rough sleepers. In the following decades, Lifeshare initiatives have become fundamental to the efforts in tackling homelessness in Manchester.

Matthew Cumber, managing director of Countrywide Surveying Services, said: “The winter months are tough for many people and when you also consider the impact of COVID-19 then this is a particularly bleak period.

"The amount of activity seen throughout the housing market in the December has been quite incredible and I’m glad that we, as a business, could give a little something back to those people who are currently homeless and in need of that bit of extra support during these challenging times.”

Judith Vickers, operations manager of Lifeshare, added: "Lifeshare’s Trustees and Staff would like to extend their thanks and appreciation for the amazing donation of over £5,000 to Countrywide staff and customers.

"This money will ensure we can continue to provide emergency food support and one-to-one support to the most vulnerable and marginalised in Manchester, being without a home is tough at the best of times but during the pandemic is even more challenging this generous donation will enable us to continue providing a hot breakfast seven days a week and support in moving off the streets in to accommodation.”