Acorn Enterprises, the vocational training arm of the Jersey Employment Trust, has won the national accolade of Reuse Organisation of the Year at the Reuse Network’s 2018 conference.
The Reuse Network supports over 200 reuse charities across the British Isles, working with them to help alleviate poverty, reduce waste and tackle climate change. Acorn Enterprises was shortlisted for the award with five other reuse charities. A public online vote crowned Acorn Enterprises as the winner.
Geoff Cook, Chair of the Jersey Employment Trust, said: “This is a major national accolade and we’re delighted that Jersey has proven that it is leading the way for reuse initiatives. I cannot thank the staff at Acorn Enterprises and JET enough for all their effort and hard work. We hope to continue to improve our reuse service and with the opening of our new Acorn Reuse shop in Trinity this summer we will be able to do even more for the environment, our clients and our customers.”
Since winning the State’s Reuse contract in 2016, Acorn Enterprises has worked with the Department of Infrastructure and other charities to turn environmental objectives into work and training opportunities.
Steve Pearce, General Manager, Acorn Enterprises, said: “Everyone at Acorn is delighted to be recognised as the Reuse Organisation of the Year. Since the Acorn Reuse Centre opened at La Collette in January last year, we have diverted over 150 tonnes from the waste stream, created 35 paid jobs and over 130 clients have been involved in the Woodshack and Reuse operations, learning workplace skills and gaining confidence. When we first started, we had no idea we would become so successful so quickly, I would like to thank everyone in Jersey who has supported us in some way as you have all contributed to the success of our reuse project.”
All the proceeds from the reuse centre are reinvested into the business to create more opportunities for clients to help them gain and maintain employment.
