Romford: Charity Smile finds new home after fundraising appeal

Smile had been at its previous site since 2020

A charity which supports low-income families in east London says it is "absolutely amazing" to have found a new home.

Smile, in Romford, had been due to close on 6 May after the landlord said it couldn't offer the space for free.

After a fundraising boost, the charity has now found larger premises meaning it can also open a drop-in cafe.

Chief executive Maria Quaife said it was "the best place for Smile to develop".

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The charity, set up in 2016, supports more than 2,000 families a year and had been given the previous premises rent-free.

Its annual Christmas appeal, to support disadvantaged children, was boosted after an appeal in November.

Smile provides families in need with food

Ms Quaife said more than £40,000 was raised with donations from charities such as The Childhood Trust and Charles S French Trust.

A five figure sum was also raised by a man running 20km through a local park.

She added the new premises on the high street were a "three-minute walk away and three times the size" of the previous site.

"We wouldn't have done this without the community... which really dug deep into its pockets."

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