WEARING A TWOTOO TO HELP THE HOMELESS

18-12-2007

Birmingham graphic designer is encouraging people to wear a TwoToo this winter – with a new fashion label designed to help the city's homeless. Pete Millington reports.

The TwoToo scarf is the brainchild of Steve Bamford, who attends St John's Church in Harborne and volunteers at a city centre soup run once a month

For each scarf sold, another will be handed out to a homeless, needy orelderly person.

Steve said: “The idea of the TwoToo came about because you buy TWO scarves so a homeless person can wear one TOO.

“I am very aware that, on its own, giving away scarves isn't going to cure homelessness. However it does create awareness of the situation and shows those receiving scarves that there are people who care about them

“The TwoTwo label is the opposite of most designer labels. Instead of implying exclusivity and superiority it expresses support and identification with those in need – a touch of equality in an unequal world.

“The scarves are great presents and help somebody stay a little warmer this winter. On the first night we handed scarves out temperatures were sub-zero and many of the people were going to be sleeping out in the freezing cold.”

Scarves are being sold for £5, which covers the cost of both scarves in this not-for-profit initiative. They can be purchased at http://www.twotoo.co.uk/, which also includes further information about the project.

Steve, who lives in Harborne, is director of a graphic design consultancy. He hopes to sell 500 TwoToo scarves this winter.