CRASH Wins Prime Minister’s Award

David Cameron praises Chiswick charity's innovative approach

A homelessness charity that works collaboratively with the construction and property industry has been recognised by the Prime Minister with a Big Society Award.

Since it was founded in 1996 by former Chiswick resident Tony Denison, CRASH has developed partnerships across the construction and property industry to build and refurbish emergency night shelters, hostels and day centres, helping companies to provide more than money to charities on the frontline of the fight against homelessness.

The 29 Patron companies of CRASH pioneer the work that needs to be done by collaborating to provide the maximum impact possible to improve the buildings homeless people need. The Patron companies all play their part working with CRASH to provide expertise, materials and donations.

Last year, CRASH supported 68 homelessness projects, leveraging £188,974 of pro-bono professional expertise, £190,391 of donated and discounted materials and cash grants totalling £155,586 to help improve buildings and services.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The innovative approach CRASH takes harnesses the world-class skills and products of our construction industry to tackle the issue of homelessness. This Big Society Award recognises the remarkable achievements of everyone involved.”

CRASH Chief Executive Francesca Roberts said: “We are thrilled and proud that the work of CRASH has been recognised by the Prime Minister. CRASH is the big society in action; the charity lies at the heart of the construction and property industry and is the conduit by which the companies and their employees can practically put something back to help communities across the UK.

“This award honours the people and the companies who do so much to share their expertise, time and skill to help homeless people. CRASH is all about sharing what you are naturally good at and sharing of ourselves is what charity is all about.”

Tony Denison, (89) who died in 2013, was founder of the charity which he originally set up in the garage of his house in Staveley Road. He lived for many years in Chiswick and the charity is still based here, having moved to offices in the Barley Mow.

May 28, 2014