Thousands raised overnight for Sheffield homeless charity after fire at city cathedral

On Thursday, a fire broke out in the Domino Hall at Sheffield Cathedral on Campo Lane, which the Cathedral Archer Project had been using to prepare around 200 meals a day for vulnerable people who have been taken off the streets and placed into accommodation because of coronavirus.

The damage has left the Archer Project temporarily unable to provide help to those in the city who are still homeless with nowhere left to go for support.

Only last month the charity issued an emergency appeal for donations to allow them to continue their work.

That has been met with incredible generosity from donors with more than £22,000 raised as of 10am on Saturday, including a £1000 donation from Wednesdayite, the largest independent supporters’ group of Sheffield Wednesday FC.

Tim Renshaw, chief executive of the Archer Project, said: “We can’t thank the Sheffield people enough for supporting us.

“That’s kept us going and will keep us going.”

The generosity has continued since Thursday’s events, with £2,290 donated from 93 different people via the Archer Project’s Facebook page.

Mr Renshaw added: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received and we are really grateful for the support.”

Reverend Peter Bradley, the Dean of Sheffield Cathedral, added: “The Archer Project is loved by people in Sheffield and deeply appreciated, and by the Cathedral.

“If we can draw on that, despite all that’s happened, I know we have a very strong future.”

The Archer Project hopes to resume its service as early as Monday, Mr Renshaw said.

Reverend Keith Farrow from Sheffield Cathedral said the church was still assessing the extent of the damage and would know more about the cost on Monday following a visit from an insurance company.

You can donate to the Cathedral Archer Project here.

A 40-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson and burglary.