Lifeshare – Manchester’s oldest homelessness charity – has looked to the creative community of Manchester to design a new range of limited edition t-shirts.
Designed by seven well-known Manchester artists, the t-shirts 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.
The designers – coordinated by long-term Lifeshare supporters Mikesian Studio – who have created the prints and offered their time for free, include Donnie O’Donnell, Raissa Pardini, Babak Ganjei, David Bailey, Han Valentine, Mikesian Studio, Martyna Makes. Long-time supporter of Lifeshare, Flood Clothing, will be printing the tees and getting them ready to go once pre-orders are collected by December 9th.
Mikesian Studio 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.”
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 thousands of 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.”
Actress Maxine Peake, Lifeshare’s Patron, 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!”
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.
More information on the artists can be found at:
Babak Ganjei = @babakganjei / babakganjeiworks.com
Donnie O’Donnell = @donnie_odonnell / donnieodonnell.bigcartel.com
Martyna Makes = @martynamakes / martynamakes.com
Han Valentine = @hanvalentine_ / hanvalentine.com
David Bailey = @bathedailey / davidbaileyillustration.com
Mikesian Studio = @mikesian.studio / mikesianstudio.bigcartel
Raissa Pardini = @raissa_pardini / raissapardini.com