Arundel business opens up heart to car for the homeless

Clare Masson, owner of the Sage Restaurant, in Tarrant Street, has hoped to encourage other businesses to follow in her footsteps as she unites with homeless charity Stonepillow, in a bid to help raise much-needed cash to support those living in destitution in our streets.

On Valentine’s Day (February 14), Clare hosted a launch day at her establishment for her fund-raising project, entitled Cupid Cares.

Chefs at the Sage baked a range of delicious treats in an effort to get visitors to open their hearts and part with their loose change.

Clare, who has owned the restaurant for around two years, has already raised more than £100 since becoming involved with the charity, last month.

She said: “I feel that I wanted to give something back to the community.

“I had donated pieces of furniture to Stonepillow, not so long ago and I was incredibly impressed with their facilities to help tend and care for those living on the streets.

“What I want to try and achieve is to raise awareness of the charity. I was shocked to hear that there are people living in impoverished conditions on our streets, which is in a fairly affluent part of the country.”

As well as selling the home-baked treats, Sage will also be asking future customers to donate a voluntary £1 on top of their bill, which will go directly to the charity.

To find out more about the story, see today’s Littlehampton Gazette (Thursday, February 21).