Thermos UK, the leading manufacturer of portable insulated food and drink containers, have teamed up with homeless charity Simon on the Streets in Leeds to provide flasks for hot drinks to keep rough sleepers warm during the colder nights.

As homelessness in the region reaches record highs and the problem becomes more visibly evident, Thermos UK wanted to make a contribution. As a Leeds based business, Thermos UK approached Simon on the Streets, an independent, Leeds based charity supporting entrenched rough sleepers across Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield, to see how they could help.

Both parties quickly realised that there was an opportunity to be able to give entrenched rough sleepers a flask that they could regularly refill and that could give them the opportunity to keep a drink hot for up to 18 hours. Bearing in mind that many rough sleepers move around day to day, Thermos UK selected their ‘Light and Compact’ stainless steel 500ml flask which is durable and easily transported.

Simon on the Streets are in the process of distributing the flasks to the entrenched homeless in the region but are also embarking on a tie up with key coffee shops. If a rough sleeper with one of the Thermos UK flasks and the Simon on the Streets logo sticker on the back approach one of the participating coffee shops, they will get a free hot drink.

Nick Kime, MD of Thermos UK commented: “We are delighted to support such a great charity. The level of homelessness in the region, let alone in the UK, is at a critical mass, working with Simon on the Streets, we’re happy to be able to play our part in supporting the work they’re doing.”

Simon on the Streets also manage a Tuesday evening sandwich and hot drink run, the Thermos UK team saw the rather worn drinks dispensers Simon on the Streets were using and offered to replace them for Thermos 2.5 litre Pump Pots that will keep drinks hot for more than 12 hours.

With the team looking to get close to our chosen charity and sample maybe a bit of what it could be like to live on the streets for maybe just one night, our Thermos UK Marketing team decided they’d participate in Sleep with Simon, a night where you actually (albeit very safely) spend a night sleeping rough. Between just three people and with a lot of support from the Thermos UK team they managed to raise £2,370, all of which is going to support the charity.

Fahad Khan, Development Manager, Simon on the Streets commented: “We’re delighted and incredibly thankful that Thermos UK have donated these flasks to us. As the weather gets colder it becomes increasingly difficult for rough sleepers to stay warm. Being able to get free hot drinks before cafes close will provide our clients with some respite from the cold through the night when cafes are closed.”