FEATURE
Affordable – food poverty is a major issue .
EASING THE PAIN OF POVERTY
Support - Foundation chief executive Michelle Cooper .
Children in the North-East are more likely to grow up in poverty than anywhere else in the UK . But charity boss Michelle Cooper has a £ 1m plan to fight back against the shocking statistics .
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County Durham charity is seeking to raise £ 1m to fight poverty .
County Durham Community Foundation will launch the Poverty Hurts Appeal this autumn , with the backing of High Sheriff Shona Harper-Wilkes .
Chief executive Michelle Cooper said : “ Children growing up in poverty needs to stop . It ’ s not normal or OK for families to miss meals , live in cold , damp houses and struggle to make ends meet .
“ We ran the first appeal last year and the response was so extraordinary , we want to go even bigger this time .
“ We are delighted to have Shona ’ s support , and local businesses already asking how they can help and be part of the solution .”
Poverty in the North-East has dominated the headlines this year since the region overtook London ’ s child poverty rates and was dubbed the “ child poverty capital ” by mainstream media .
Around a third of children living in poverty in County Durham are younger than five years old . A majority of children and young people living in poverty are in working households .
Sandringham Financial Partners – Darlington , accelerateNEbusiness and
Backing - High Sheriff of Durham , Shona Harper-Wilkes .
Urban Base have already pledged support for the appeal , as has popular networking organisation Durham Business Club
Shona said : “ The need is growing and we need to act now . There are around 50,000 children and young people in the county badly affected by soaring food and energy costs . If everyone in County Durham gave just £ 2 , we would have £ 1m to create lifechanging interventions .”
Thanks to existing supporters , the foundation is delighted to be able to offer some matched funding to help kick-start the appeal .
Shona added : “ By supporting County Durham Community Foundation , businesses
can maximise their impact and provide vital support to vulnerable people affected by the pandemic and now the cost of living rises too . Raising £ 1m will impact the lives of so many across the county .”
Michelle said : “ We want to gather
Emblem - the High Sheriff ' s badge of office
a massive practical response to fighting poverty , and at the same time , enrich local lives by funding projects that bring people together and help people from nought to 90 lead a happier life .
“ With our supporters we fund more than 600 projects each year that create a much brighter outlook for communities .
“ And they need our support more than ever , as people are struggling to pay their bills , feed their children and afford basics like heating during the cold winter months .”
The Poverty Hurts Appeal is coming soon . Donations can unlock matched funding and bring immediate support to people in crisis through the Poverty Hurts Fund . But that ’ s not all . Donations will also bring long-term solutions to those affected by poverty in all its forms . Using 27 years of experience and local knowledge , County Durham Community Foundation will help supporters maximise their giving .
Contact info @ cdcf . org . uk to receive your Poverty Hurts Appeal info pack .
Visit cdcf . org . uk
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