An inspirational charitable partnership between HomeServe and the Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) which is helping to feed, clothe and support homeless and vulnerable people across the West Midlands has marked its third birthday.
The unique relationship was launched three years ago after a chance conversation between HomeServe call centre worker Bhupinder “Pops” Heer and the Walsall-based home assistance provider’s CEO Greg Reed.
Since then hundreds of HomeServe’s People have given more than 4,000 hours of their time to the cause, delivered more than 28,000 meals, handed out 23,000 samosas and 500 sleeping bags, and helped raise 12,000 pounds.
HomeServe has also now donated two of its famous red vans to help volunteers transport essential food and clothing to thousands of homeless people and others who have needed short-term support across the region.
And this week HomeServe People – including Greg Reed and Brand Director John Greaves – joined Pops and the MLSS team at a feed in Birmingham city centre as they handed out hundreds of meals.
They also invited the MLSS team to HomeServe’s Walsall headquarters for a special cake cutting ceremony and birthday party.
The MLSS helps “all and everyone” in need of food across Walsall, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry and Leicester and Pops admits that he can’t believe what has been achieved in the three years since the chance partnership began.
“I can still remember the day when Jagjit Kaur, Heather Kaur and I met Greg Reed and told him all about MLSS. Since that day three years ago, the help and support we’ve received has been unbelievable.
“HomeServe has donated two vans, which help us so much and mean we are now able to take our tables and food to the feeds easily. Each morning I go out and serve breakfast for the homeless, and without the vans, I don’t think I’d be able to do this.
“On top of that, our wonderful colleagues have given their time, raised funds and donated drinks, food and toiletries. It makes me feel proud to work for HomeServe. With their support we are changing lives right across the West Midlands and beyond.”
Greg Reed added: “We’re so proud to be able to support Pops and the MLSS team in the fantastic work they’re doing to change lives right across our region and beyond.
“The passion and commitment we see every single day from them is a real inspiration and having been out on feeds with them, we know just what impact they are having.
“We have been involved with MLSS for three years now but we’re just as passionate now as were at the start. As a business we’re committed to supporting and making a difference in the communities in which we live and work. We want our People to ‘dare to care.’”
Since its launch in 2013, MLSS has helped more than two million homeless people in towns and cities all over the UK and even as far afield as Berlin and Mumbai, Delhi and Punjab, in India.
In the West Midlands alone, MLSS teams deliver more than 12,000 meals each week.
It is also an award-winning charity, picking up a Pride of Birmingham award last year and being nominated for a Pride of Britain award.
For more information about the Midland Langar Seva Society, visit www.midlandlangarseva.com.
