Builders' merchants devastated by blaze helps homeless charity

Chandler’s Building Supplies on Basin Road North, Portslade, suffered a huge fire in March which saw part of its storage space destroyed.

But it has now completed an extension – which was in the pipeline before the blaze – and decided to use its open day to raise cash for a good cause.

Sue McKinney of Chandlers Building Supplies said: “One of our buildings, located beside Hove Lagoon, was badly damaged by fire in March and while we managed to reopen 72 hours later, we know what it’s like not have a roof over our heads! As a result we felt it very fitting to devote our open morning to a wonderful Brighton charity, Off The Fence, that is dedicated to helping local homeless people.”

Representatives from Off The Fence were at the event on Wednesday (July 4) with their laundry van, which allows rough sleepers to wash their clothes and get fresh socks and supplies.

The day raised £500 for Off The Fence.

Those in attendance included local councillor Robert Nemeth, neighbour Fat Boy Slim (Norman Cook), and Big Brother 2016 winner Jason Burrill, who was the goalkeeper for a ‘beat the goalie’ competition.

There was a barbecue breakfast from the Big Beach Cafe plus a raffle to win a signed Albion football shirt.

Ms McKinney said: “We are delighted to support the great work of everyone at Off The Fence, a charity dedicated to helping local homeless people. Our thanks go to the generosity of all customers and neighbours who supported the event, to the fabulous Big Beach Café for providing a free breakfast to encourage donations and to Celeb FC for providing ‘Simon Cowell’ and Jason Burrill.”

Donna Williamson of Off The Fence said: “We are over the moon with the support of Chandlers Building Supplies and the local community. This amazing donation will make a big difference to the homeless community in Brighton.”

Chandlers Building Supplies’ newly-extended premises employs 33 people.