Put In A Pound For Poverty
2023Late last year the Northern Echo highlighted the serious issues concerning poverty in the Northeast of England. Figures revealed almost two in five (38 per cent) of children in the region now lived below the poverty line, with forecasts suggesting around December 2023 that 55 per cent of UK households will be in fuel poverty by January 2023 because of the cost-of-living crisis.
The team at the Echo began to see unprecedented demand for foodbanks and handouts, so they launched the campaign ‘Put in a Pound for Poverty’ to support their communities and readers, who were facing huge financial crises.
Aware of the financial pressures that readers were under, the team at the Echo came up with the idea, after talking to poverty charities, to encourage readers to donate £1 towards their £5,000 goal. The Echo teamed up with the County Durham Community Foundation, which had been running the ‘Poverty Hurts’ campaign and had already funded numerous projects to ensure donations were made to the individuals and families who had been hit hardest.
The Echo hit its target after just a few weeks, with funds having now benefitted several projects with the aim to tackle poverty and help numerous individuals and families in the communities they serve.
Editor Gavin Foster said: “We launched the Put in a Pound campaign in the hope of making a difference to those really struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
“The County Durham Community Foundation does some amazing work to make sure the money gets to the people who need it the most.
“We only asked people to give £1 as we understand giving donations for everyone is difficult at this time. The idea was to show that even the smallest amount people give can make a huge difference.
“Thank you to everybody who has donated and hopefully this money can really make a difference to people who are struggling.”
Michelle Cooper MBE, Chief Executive of the County Durham Community Foundation said: “A huge thank you to the readers of The Northern Echo.
“Your generosity, in difficult times, means families and individuals in County Durham and the Tees Valley will be able to access much-needed support with their food and fuel bills. Not only that, the £5,000 you’ve raised will also help local community groups to host welcoming, safe spaces, and community meals and provide support, advice, and a friendly face for those who are isolated or lonely.
“We care about each other in County Durham, we’re a kind and thoughtful bunch and this has proven it. You are helping us to keep fighting poverty and enriching lives in our community and we are very grateful!”
Local MP Mary Foy backed the campaign, urging readers to donate. She tweeted: “As poverty becomes a harsh reality for many across the county, it is good to see The Northern Echo supporting County Durham Community Foundation’s ‘Poverty Hurts’ appeal.
“If you are able to donate and make this winter a little easier for our most vulnerable people, please do.”
