Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney has been shortlisted for The Broadland & South Norfolk Business Awards in the Environmental Impact category for the work it does in helping to save unnecessary items from going to landfill through its social enterprise and partnership with Norfolk County Council.
The awards, which are organised by South Norfolk Council and Broadland District Councils, celebrate the excellence, innovation and best practice shown by businesses across the combined area. Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney has been shortlisted in the Environmental Impact category, sponsored by UEA’s Low Carbon Innovation Fund, alongside HLC (Woods Products) Ltd and Norfolk Bluebell Wood Burial Park.
From July 2018 – July 2019, Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney saved more than 1,500 tonnes of furniture, which is the equivalent of approximately 100 double decker buses, from going to the rubbish tip by offering a free collection service for large items in good condition. The items collected are then sold in the charity’s Ditchingham and Bungay shops to generate funds to support people who have experienced homelessness.
In addition to its social enterprise work, in July 2019 Emmaus partnered with Norfolk Assistance Scheme run by Norfolk County Council to provide white goods and vital household items to individuals and families in crisis. Norfolk County Council’s assistance scheme used to provide new white goods and household items, however under the scheme’s new reuse development project, applicants now get quality items from partners including charities like Emmaus instead.
This more than halves the average award cost and means the scheme, which last year made 1,118 awards, can help more people while also supporting local charities and reducing the burden on landfill.
To find out more about the work of Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney, please visit here.