Unwanted work clothes have been donated to a charity that provides help and support to the homeless.

IRS, an industrial refrigeration service company in Bromsgrove, has given 500 shirts and coats to the SIFA Fireside day centre, Digbeth.

The clothes became available after the company updated its brand image. Instead of throwing them away, managing director Mark Parsons took the initiative to make sure they were put to better use.

He said: “We’ve had connections with Fireside for years through Business in the Community. We’ve been able to help several homeless get rehoused and into employment through coaching and practical support including someone who now works for us. So rather than wasting perfectly good clothing, it made sense to give them to this very worthwhile cause.”

Sister Sabina who founded and runs the SIFA Fireside day centre said: “We supply 40 people every week with clothing. They depend on us a lot especially when the weather is wet. This donation makes a big difference, and everyone is delighted – especially with the jackets and shirts. We’re so grateful.”

SIFA Fireside works alongside those who are socially excluded or disadvantaged, addressing alcohol issues and homelessness and empowering and supporting people to meet short and long term goals. The charity runs two drop-in centres.