Mears Group plc, the leading housing repairs and maintenance provider in the UK, extended its partnership with Shelter for a second year in 2007.

Both Shelter and Mears Group understand the importance of investing in communities - and believe everyone should have a decent home.

Together, we will work to improve the lives of homeless people, demonstrating our commitment through initiatives that have a positive, measurable impact on communities.

During 2006 Mears Group PLC raised £100,000 for Shelter. The Mears staff embarked on a programme of fundraising and volunteering, including participation in Shelter's DIY skills service, which gives people the skills to carry out basic repair work to their homes.

Mears employees also took part in the 2006 Flora London Marathon, in Shelter's Three Peaks Challenge, and in the BUPA Great North Run, raising more than £10,000 for Shelter's work while experiencing the great atmosphere of national charitable events.

Mears supported Shelter's Wall of Shame, which called for more social rented homes to be built, and helped promote the million children campaign through its sponsorship of the big Shelter sit-in exhibition at London's Oxo Tower.

The Wall of Shame on London's South Bank raised public awareness of the urgent need to build more affordable homes. Amanda Lamb was among celebrities signing bricks, with more than 5,000 members of the public adding their names and demonstrating clearly the huge level of public backing for Shelter's campaign.