Transforming their local community
428. Margaret Mann
429. John Mann
Two friends from Milton Keynes who have worked tirelessly to help thousands of disadvantaged people in their community.
Margaret and John Mann set up the UK’s first ever community centre which stores abandoned quality items and redistributes them to people in need. The Re-Use Community Project centre has helped furnish new accommodation for young families, provided disabled people with mobility resources and helped homeless people get back on their feet.
Margaret and John were first inspired to create the centre after John was tasked with clearing council and privately rented homes. They realised that when properties were abandoned, the items inside were scrapped, regardless of quality. This motivated Margaret and John to set up the first Re-Use Community Project centre to help change lives and living conditions in their community. The first centre was funded solely by Margaret and John who both currently work seven days a week in order to help their community. Since it’s launch in 2006, the centre has gained charity status, secured larger premises from the council and won a Chamber of Commerce award for their contribution to the community and the environment.
Margaret and John have also created successful partnerships with the council, private letting agencies and Argos and Homebase. The support they have received whether it’s been a donation of used goods or money has been invaluable, as even the smallest of things can make a huge difference to a person’s life.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“Margaret and John have shown incredible selflessness in investing so much of their time and their own money to set up the Re-Use Community Centre. Through their tireless work to build up partnerships in their community they have recycled or reused thousands of items that would have otherwise gone to waste, and used them to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people in their local area. I am delighted to recognise their service as the UK’s 428th & 429th Points of Light”
Margaret and John Mann said:
“Our goal in life is to open a Reuse Community Project in every city in the country, fighting against poverty, hardship and being one with our community for a brighter future”