Bedding maker teams up with exfootballer

A FIFE business has struck up a striking partnership with a Celtic, Manchester United and Scotland football legend in an effort to support the homeless.

Glenrothes-based bedding manufacturer Dusal has linked up with the Lou Macari Foundation to send 75 duvets for the charity’s Street Retreat Centre, which offers respite for those living on the streets.

A 2016 news report about t he number of homeless people in Britain inspired Lou, former manager of Stoke City Football Club, to set up the charity in Stoke where he still lives.

Bernard Kennedy, general manager of t he Glenrothes firm, said: he learned about the work being carried out by the foundation after a colleague spotted it on TV.

“Lou grew up j u st across the water from us in Edinburgh, so it felt right to offer our help to a local guy who is working so hard to support people who have fallen on hard times.

“Our operations were paused for three weeks after the lockdown, but we made t he decision to return so we could fulfil the many orders we were still receiving.

“This included the duvets for Lou which were one of t he f i r st i nto production.

“Making t hese also added a feelgood factor and was a great way for us to resume working.”

Janine Proctor from the Lou Macari Foundation said: “We really can’t thank the team at Dusal enough for their support.

“During these incredibly difficult times, they have made such a generous gesture and one which has already made a positive i mpact on the wellbeing of our customers.

“We were supporting nearly 50 people at our shelter at the time that Bernard got in touch, and we were receiving calls to support even more.”

She said the charity had worked with t he city council to construct timber camping “pod” in a disused warehouse so street sleepers could stay safe.