Durham Women FC have confirmed that over £2400 was raised by their terrific supporters as part of the #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY campaign.
Having been inspired by Marcus Rashford’s prominent push to ensure no child went hungry, the club asked for donations from supporters who enjoyed our live streams against Charlton Athletic, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool.
And the response was overwhelming as they raised the terrific four-figure sum – which they have confirmed will be distributed down two avenues.
The initial target of £1,000 will be distributed to schools, community groups and families in County Durham to ensure nobody goes hungry. They are working alongside Mary Foy, MP for the City of Durham, to ensure this goes to those who need it most.
And the remaining sum raised will be donated to REfUSE, a community group based in Chester-le-Street.
REfUSE take food supplies that would otherwise go to waste and ensure they are distributed through their ‘Pay What You Decide’ shops to help households all over the County – with over 70,000 meals provided across County Durham in 2020.
The group operate a Waste Not Box delivery service, a ‘pay as you feel’ cafe and shop in Chester-le-Street, emergency food deliveries and, thanks to the donations from their supporters, will now be able to embark on a new project – a market stall in Grange Villa to ensure their excellent work can be accessible for more people.
As well as offering meals for those who need them, the new project will also offer volunteering and community engagement opportunities and will undoubtedly prove to be a key resource in the area.
Explaining the impact the donations from their supporters will have, Mim Skinner of REfUSE said: ‘We’re really excited to open up our new hub in Grange Villa. It’s already been so popular and is another resource to make sure good food feeds bellies, not bins.’
Durham Women assistant general manager Dawn Hepple, who spearheaded the initiative within the club, added: “We are delighted to be associated with REfUSE and to be able to fund this fantastic project – as well as donating the original pledge of £1,000 to Durham County Council.
“I have watched their progress on social media and they were one of the first charities that I wanted us to work alongside when we realised we had raised much more than expected. With COVID restrictions it’s harder for people to go to their facility in Chester-le-Street so they are taking the project out to them!
“It’s not just about supporting families with food it’s also about the interaction they offer when they come to collect boxes. Once it is up and running we will update you on our channels and if it’s successful then there is scope for it to be repeated in other areas.
“Many thanks to Miriam from REfUSE and many many thanks to all of the football supporters who were so generous with their donations. I’m sure they will be happy to know the money is being divided well and going to help such worthy local causes.”
To find out more about REfUSE and the work they do in the local community, visit https://refusedurham.org.uk/
Courtesy of Durham Women FC
