Calvin Hambleton, who is a warehouse operative at F. Ball, is raising funds for the Lou Macari Foundation, which aims to end homelessness in Stoke-on-Trent and provides support, accommodation and meals to around 50 people at the Macari Centre, in Hanley, to help restore stability to their lives.
Scottish former footballer and manager Lou Macari, who played for Manchester United and Stoke City and lives in Stoke-on-Trent, worked with Stoke-on-Trent council to set up The Macari Centre, which opened in 2016.
To raise funds, Calvin has undertaken a sponsored walk from his hometown of Leek to Tittesworth Reservoir, with his youngest son Elliot Hambleton and brother-in-law Ian Knight also taking part.
Upon learning of the initiative, F. Ball donated £500 towards the cause.
Commenting on the effort, F. Ball managing director Mark Hughes said: “The local community is a better place for people like Calvin giving their time to such good causes, so we are absolutely delighted to support this.”
Explaining his motivation, Calvin said: “I was holidaying in Brighton when I began buying meals for a homeless lad who was living outside the hotel where we were staying. Speaking to him, I was struck that anyone could get into a situation like that, so I resolved to do something to help people facing homelessness.”
Find out more about the Macari Foundation at: http://macari-foundation.co.uk/
Pictured is Mark Hughes presenting the cheque from F. Ball to Lou Macari (left to right): Julie McCoy, Ted McCoy, Mark Hughes, Lou Macari and Calvin Hambleton