Fund-raising drive to help struggling communities
A charity initiative to support local people who are struggling to make ends meet has received a cash boost.
The People’s Takeaway project, which will add to the current provision of emergency food parcels in East Durham, has been mentioned in the House of Commons this week and has already raised more than £1,000.
The Crowdfunding initiative is the brainchild of East Durham Trust, who are seeking to respond to the potential problems as the controversial Universal Credit is introduced as part of the Government’s welfare reform programme.
Chief executive Malcolm Fallow explained that the trust has been delighted with the initial response.
He said: “In a little over a week since launching the appeal we have received donations from near and far and it’s heart-warming to see that people care about those less well off than themselves.
“However, there is still a long way to go because with the roll-out of Universal Credit and Christmas looming we know demand from struggling people will grow.”
The proposed project will see volunteers prepare food and deliver it to the homes of local people facing hardship, and the money raised will go towards equipment, training and running costs such as food purchases.
It has been supported by Comic Relief ’s Crowdmatch, which means that if the project reaches its £10,000 target, Comic Relief will match it and double its final amount.
For more details, visit: www.eastdurhamtrust.org. uk.