Homelessness charity launches limited edition T shirts designed by well-known Manchester artists
Lifeshare, Manchester’s oldest homelessness charity, has teamed up with seven of Manchester’s well-known artists to launch a limited edition range of T-shirts that depict designs linked to eradicating or fighting homelessness.
All T-shirts are available to pre-order now from www.lifeshare.org.uk and will be produced, packaged and mailed in time for Christmas.
Money raised from the limited edition release will fund Lifeshare’s annual Christmas Project where the charity opens between 23-29 December to provide hot meals, showers, clean clothes and support to those that need it.
The design process was coordinated by long-term Lifeshare supporters Mikesian Studio, with all participating contributors creating the prints and offering their time free of charge.
Contributing artists include Donnie O’Donnell, Raissa Pardini, Babak Ganjei, David Bailey, Han Valentine, Mikesian Studio and Martyna Makes.
The charity’s patron, Actor and Narrator Maxine Peake, has supported in modelling and promoting the range. She said: “Lifeshare is always open to people who need its support – whether they are homeless or fighting food or fuel poverty. The festive period can be challenging for many people; but imagine being on the streets at this time as well. Lifeshare needs your support to bring a small bit of happiness to people who, without them, would be alone and hungry.
“What I always admire is the charity’s commitment to raising funds around this time of year by using creative solutions and working with Manchester’s amazing creative community – not just asking for cash! If you can afford one of these fabulous t-shirts, do purchase one and wear it with pride, as I will with mine!”
Judy Vickers, operational manager at Lifeshare, said: “Once again, we’ve looked to Manchester’s incredible creative community to develop a Christmas campaign that offers something a bit different, while helping us raise funds to support the many people we have who attend our Christmas Project.
“From December 23rd until December 29th, we open our doors to anyone who needs a hot meal, some Christmas company, showers, clean clothes or some just some festive fun and friendship. But as we all know, living costs are exceptional this year. Last year we served 3,340 meals; we’re expecting to serve over 4,000 this year. We need funds to offer the quality of service to our guests and enough food! This campaign will support this goal, while offering people an alternative Christmas present that’s not only worthwhile, but a great quality Tee.”
Mikesian Studio, who created this T-shirt as part of the collaboration, said: "We’ve worked with Lifeshare for five years now; we’ve so much respect for the people who work there and for what they do for the homeless community and other vulnerable people. It’s so hard to see people suffer every day.
"We heard things were getting worse again this year; so we proposed another artist collaboration with some talented creatives who we feel bring the momentum and the energy we need to help Lifeshare meet its funding goals for winter. So, if you’re looking for a meaningful Christmas gift, look no further.”
Long-time supporter of Lifeshare, Flood Clothing, will be printing the tees and getting them ready to go once pre-orders are made by 9 December.
Pre-orders for the T-shirts are open now at a price of £25 per t-shirt with discounts for multiple purchases. All profits go to Lifeshare to fund their Breakfast and Christmas Projects.
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