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Posted by Editor on 23rd January 2012 at 05:24 PM
Video: Mustard Tree opens in Eccles
by Tom Rodgers and Callum Doolan

At a special event today the homeless charity Mustard Tree opened a new branch in Eccles town centre.

We spoke to CEO Paul Wenham and one of the volunteers named Marc, who depended on the charity when he was battling an alcohol addiction.

Paul said: "The charity started 16 years ago with one guy taking food and drink onto the streets and spending time listening to those sleeping rough.

"It's gradually grown to the point where we've got a massive warehouse in Ancoats in Manchester which picks up and delivers secondhand furniture to families in need."

Marc arrived at Mustard Tree in 2007 after years of a chaotic drinking lifestyle.

After spending time with the charity he joined the collection vans and has turned his life around.

Marc now teaches cookery classes at The Mustard Tree and helps run fundraising events for the charity. He aims to continue working with charities to help children experiencing food poverty in the UK.

Marc commented: “Since coming to The Mustard Tree, I have found my passion for food and helping people. I believe that being here has allowed me to become the person I should be and I’m grateful to have my life back under control.”

The new Eccles shop will offer affordable furniture to families in need as well as being a second base for the Mustard Tree's community activities.

The Mustard Tree is also running a week-long event called Go Hungry during Poverty and Homelessness Action Week (28th January - 5th February).

Go Hungry is a fundraising campaign set up by three second-year Salford University students: Sandra Astrom, Diane McBride, and Hannah Probyn.

Go Hungry is asking people to skip lunch for one day during the Poverty & Homelessness Action Week, and simply donate the money they otherwise would have spent.

They commented: "We aim to engage people to consider their own lives and actions in contrast to the day to day lifestyle of the disadvantaged population, who usually do not have the option of deciding whether to eat or not.

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