Stockport partnership launches to support families in need this Christmas

Stockport County FC have launched the Food for Christmas campaign and are working in partnership with Sector3 and Stockport Council, to raise money to feed families during the festive period. The campaign was launched by Stockport County following the decision by the UK Government not to provide free school meals during school holidays. There are approximately 7,500 children in Stockport who are at risk of going without food during the holiday period. 

The Club is aiming to raise the £220,000 needed to purchase food vouchers for families who may struggle at Christmas. Sector3 will work with the voluntary and community sector to distribute the funding to community groups serving families in need. 

Mark Stott, owner of Stockport County, said: “This is a topic very close to my heart, growing up my mum relied on free school meals for both myself and my sister and it is devastating to think so many families will struggle over the Christmas period. I’d like to thank Marcus Rashford and everyone else who has campaigned and raised awareness on the subject.  

Mark has personally donated £100,000 to the campaign and the Club hopes to raise the remainder through a combination of Club Shop sales, corporate sponsors and donations from fans. 

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stockportfoodforchristmas 

In addition to the Food for Christmas campaign, Stockport Council have announced details of a financial package to support the cost of food and utility bills this Christmas for families in need.  

Over the coming weeks the Council will be working with Sector3 to reach out to the voluntary and community sector to ensure that other vulnerable families in need of financial help are able to access support with the additional costs that winter brings. 

Mark Stott, owner of Stockport County, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership to support our community and we are asking that people can give what they can, to ensure no child goes hungry this Christmas.” 

Jo McGrath, Strategic lead at Sector3 said:“We’re delighted to be a part of this partnership so that we can ensure funds reach families in need via the community organisations who work with them. The voluntary and community sector is on the front line supporting vulnerable residents, therefore its vital we connect with the sector to deliver targeted support where it’s needed most.”