Mayor calls for action to support families in need

North East mayor Kim McGuinness is urging businesses and residents to join efforts to support thousands of families facing food insecurity this Christmas.

The mayor made the appeal at a Feeding Families and North East Chamber of Commerce event, as the charity launches a £213,700 Festive Campaign to provide food boxes and support packages to over 8,500 families and individuals in need.

Mayor McGuinness said: “Our mission to end child poverty starts at the grassroots, and the first step we need to take is to stop families from sinking into further hardship. 

“Feeding Families demonstrates the compassionate, pragmatic and creative thinking we need to help more families. By partnering with community organisations like Feeding Families we can help families in the here and now, and make sure they find the support they need to get back on their feet and thrive.  

Feeding Families works with partner agencies to ensure vulnerable households across the region receive essential aid.

Juliet Sanders, chief executive of Feeding Families added: "We are very grateful to the mayor for her support with this campaign.  

“We have a mountain to climb this Christmas, but know the North East business community will rally together to support the local community. Even the smallest of gestures can make a big difference." 

John McCabe, chief executive at the North East Chamber of Commerce, also pledged his support to the vital work of the charity: "We are really proud to support our member Feeding Families.

“The North East has some of the highest rates of child poverty in the UK and we are working with the region’s businesses, charities and local authorities to support and raise awareness for those who need it most.

"Our Stronger, Fairer North East strategy for change includes a strong focus on people and work, and creating happier, healthier and more resilient communities.

“Collaborative and creative working is key to enabling sustainable change and ensuring that everyone in the region can reach their potential." 

The mayor’s call comes ahead of the region’s first Child Poverty Summit, aimed at uniting public, private, and voluntary sectors in a coordinated effort to tackle child poverty. This will help shape and inform the North East Combined Authority’s Child Poverty Reduction Unit.

Mayor McGuinness added: “Working with North East businesses of all sizes sends a clear message that our region takes its responsibility to tackle poverty seriously.

“Our first Poverty Summit and the launch of the Child Poverty Reduction Unit represent real actions to make the North East the home of real opportunity for everyone in our communities.” 

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →