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An entrepreneurial mum has been praised after making a generous gift to a homeless man.
Lauren Bailey runs an online cosmetics business from her home in Barming and after a particularly successful May she was left with £140 she wanted to go to a good cause.
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After consulting her local customer base for suggestions, initially the plan was to donate to a nearby animal sanctuary. But a chance encounter with a rough sleeper changed her mind.
The 33-year-old former Cornwallis pupil said: "I met him that day, I had seen him two roads from where I live, and I was heading back and he was still there.
"I couldn't help myself. I talked to him for about an hour and I could tell he was a really genuine, kind bloke. I just thought that amount of money would make a huge difference to him.
"I just wanted him to feel he is not invisible.
"So I put it to the group and said 'do you mind if we give it to this gentleman'."
Watch: the moment the generous gifts are given
In all, the recipient - who we have decided not to name - received £165, a pillow and a bag of food.
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is currently providing accommodation for 28 people through its Rough Sleeper Initiative, and a further 17 are being helped under Covid-19 emergency powers.
An council spokesman said: "Since the health crisis began the council has enabled over 30 households to move into more settled accommodation, and the MBC Outreach Team continues to provide a service onto the streets to identify and assist anyone who is new to the area.
"We are grateful to Maidstone Homeless Care and other agencies for their support in these endeavours, and with the work of the Community Support Hub."
Viewers of the Facebook Live video of the gift expressed their happiness at the donations, with many saying they recognised the man who is a familiar face in the town.
Lauren now hopes each month it will be possible to give a donation from the profits of her online cosmetics business to someone in need in the local area.
