Industry charity gives retired workers an early Christmas present

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishings industry, has given seven retired industry workers an early Christmas present of £300 each to treat themselves this festive season.

The Furniture Makers’ Company has been supporting furnishing industry employees for more than 100 years and today the organisation helps current or former workers and their dependants who have fallen on hard times.

In addition to awarding financial grants, the charity gives a regular annuity to over 50 retired workers to supplement their pensions.

This year the charity decided to give a special bonus to seven annuitants deemed to be the most in need of additional financial support to help them enjoy the Christmas period.

Jonny Westbrooke, CEO at The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “We are pleased to be able to give a little something extra to help our annuitants who are living on the very basic state minimum pension. We recognise that it is difficult to afford any of the little extras that make life enjoyable when you have to manage every week on a small sum.

“This is made particularly hard at Christmas time when other people are spending more on outings and presents and extra food, and adds to the feelings of isolation and loneliness that so many older people may have. We hope that this little bit of good news will lift the spirits of our beneficiaries.”

One of the recipients said: “Many thanks for your help over the years. I can’t tell you how this has helped me cope with everyday life. Your very kind Christmas present was a wonderful surprise and much appreciated. Thank you for all the good work you do.”

If you or someone you know who works or has worked in the furnishing industry is struggling financially, please call Robin Lomas, welfare officer, on 020 7562 8528 or email welfareofficer@furnituremakers.org.uk.