Neo Community has launched an urgent appeal as its annual festive food drive faces a funding shortfall that could significantly impact the number of people it can help this year.
It is calling on businesses, organisations and residents to help save its Christmas food provision this year, by helping it to raise £25,000 through a GoFundMe campaign. Since 2014, award-winning charity Neo Community has brought together volunteers, businesses, schools and local residents to provide food and essential Christmas support to families and individuals experiencing hardship across Wirral, ensuring they have access to Christmas dinner essentials, cupboard staples and festive treats.
While its volunteers, facilities and infrastructure to deliver the support remains in place, the charity needs to raise the £25,000 to purchase the food stock needed to meet current demand.
Ema Wilkes, Founder and CEO of Neo Community, said: “Every Christmas, people across Wirral turn to Neo for support, and every year our incredible team, volunteers, businesses and community supporters somehow make it happen.
“We’ve helped thousands of people over the years, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. But this year, we’re facing a situation where we simply don’t have the financial support needed to purchase the Christmas food we would normally provide.
“We have the volunteers. We have the infrastructure. We have the experience, the relationships and the determination. What we don’t have is the money to buy the food. That’s a really difficult position to be in, particularly when we know how many families and individuals are already struggling.
“Christmas should be a time when people feel connected, supported and part of their community, not a time when parents are worrying about how they’ll put a meal on the table. This isn’t about extravagant Christmas celebrations. It’s about dignity, food, kindness and making sure people know they haven’t been forgotten.
“We are so used to being the people others turn to for help, but this year we’re asking our community for urgent help, so we can deliver the support that is needed this year more than ever.”
The GoFundMe campaign page itemises exactly how the money will be spent, for example £9,000 to provide everything needed for Christmas dinner, £3,000 for festive treats and £1,500 for packing and distribution.
Businesses and organisations are being encouraged to make financial contributions, sponsor food purchases, organise workplace fundraising activities or help Neo Community to access food at wholesale prices.
Members of the public can support the appeal by making a donation, however small, or sharing the fundraiser across their networks. Every contribution will help Neo purchase food and continue supporting people through the festive period.
Ema added: “One of the most powerful things about Wirral is the way people come together when it matters. We’ve seen it time and time again through our work at Neo.
“Now we’re hoping that the same community spirit can help us make Christmas happen once again. Whether it’s £5, £50 or a business sponsoring a larger food purchase, every single contribution matters. We can’t do this alone, but together, we really can make a difference.”
Businesses wishing to sponsor the appeal, make a larger donation or discuss other ways to help are encouraged to contact Neo Community directly on 0151 647 5981 or by emailing info@neocommunity.org.uk
Donations can be made directly through the charity’s GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/a35089eea
