We’re thrilled that local independent Reading business Blue Collar has kindly chosen to support Launchpad over the next 12 months!
Over the next year, Blue Collar Street Food, which can be found just off Hosier Street, will be donating 10% of its profits to us and another local charity, No.5 Young People.
Glen, from Blue Collar said: “Over the past few months things have been especially brutal for independent businesses which has seen us reflect on what we do and why we do it.
“We want to help, in a small way, the town we love while we’re able to.
“With this in mind, we have decided to donate 10% of profits between these two local charities that work so hard to help people in Reading and provide support to those that need it most.”
If you haven’t heard of Blue Collar, they arrived in Reading in 2016 holding a food festival in Forbury Gardens, which quickly led to them becoming regulars at the weekly market.
Their events have just got bigger ever since and in 2019/20 they started trading outside the Madejski Stadium on match days. During the Covid pandemic, they ran a number of popular street food drive-thru’s, and now they have their permanent base at Blue Collar Corner built out of shipping containers!
Vicki Lewis, Launchpad’s fundraising manager, said: “This generous offer came as a huge and welcome surprise. As we continue to see a rise in the number of people needing our help, the kindness shown by Blue Collar, a much-loved independent street food business, will enable us to continue helping those facing housing crisis in Reading to ensure they remain housed.”
The first event to mark the charity partnership and to celebrate Blue Collar Corner’s first birthday, will be held on Sunday 12 March where local band, and Launchpad supporters, Third Lung will be performing.
We can’t wait and hope to see you there!