A MAJOR housebuilder has donated a huge amount of furniture to two Essex charities.

Cala Homes has gifted about £12,000 worth of furniture and accessories from show homes at its Aylett’s Green development, in Kelvedon, and Cala site, in Chelmsford.

The recipients are Emmaus Colchester and Springfield Furniture Bank in Chelmsford.

Emmaus Colchester is a prime homelessness charity which utilises sales from its donations to provide home and work opportunities for its companions through its social enterprise scheme, aimed at helping them regain stability.

Springfield Furniture Bank, which forms part of St Vincent de Paul Community Support Projects, gathers, sells, and redistributes donated furniture to those most in need.

Commenting on the donation, Darren Scott, business operations manager for Emmaus Colchester, said: "We are extremely grateful to Cala Homes for this generous donation.

"Our main business activity for Emmaus Colchester is collecting donated furniture and household goods and selling them in our shops. 

"All our residents, known as companions, work in our social enterprises including two second-hand shops in the city centre and our house clearance business.
 
“The revenue we generate supports our companions and provides them with a home, meals, well-being support, and a weekly allowance, so this kind donation from Cala Homes will go a long way in helping to support them.”

As part of its Community Pledge activity, bosses at Cala Homes say they do not hesitate to donate items to charity.

Jason Colmer, regional director of sales, and marketing for Cala Homes said: "We are very proud to be working with these amazing charities that do so much for the people of Colchester and Chelmsford, and the surrounding areas.

"Cala’s focus has consistently centred on people and communities, with the Community Pledge signifying our dedication to improving the areas in which we build in.

"Through our Pledges, we aim to make a direct impact on the lives of those around our developments and the organisations that matter to them.

“It's brilliant organisations like Emmaus Colchester and Springfield Furniture Bank that make the Community Pledge worthwhile, and we will continue to help other charities wherever we can.”