Fundraising campaign to help food banks in Wolverhampton smashes target
A fundraising campaign set up to support food banks amid coronavirus has smashed through its £20,000 target at the last minute.
Leaders in Wolverhampton had called on residents and businesses to help raise the vital funds with the cash pot hitting £27,159.
But there were fears the city could miss out on the funding if it didn't hit its target – with only £17,159 raised before councillors stepped in.
Councillor Ian Brookfield, leader of Wolverhampton Council, said: "I’d like to thank everyone who donated to the Feeding Our City campaign.
"The organisations this fund supports provide a vital lifeline for people across our city, and every donation will help to ensure no-one gets left behind during the pandemic.
"It was important to all ward councillors to celebrate the spirit of generosity shown, which is why we have decided to make an additional contribution from this cross-party fund.
"Since lockdown began, demand at our city’s food banks has increased drastically.
"All ward councillors, irrespective of political interests, have been in complete support of this campaign.
"The food banks in our city do so much incredible work, and this is a cause very close to everyone’s heart."
The One City Fund campaign is based on an "all or nothing" platform – with funds only released if the target is successfully met.
It means councillors across the city have donated £20,000 to the fundraising effort from their ward funds cash pot – an initiative that supports projects and activities in the city.
Councillor Wendy Thompson, leader of the opposition at the Wolverhampton Council, said: "This is an extremely really worthwhile cause that councillors from all parties are happy to support.
"It will benefit vulnerable families throughout the city and councillors were unanimous in wanting to contribute from our ward funds to support the campaign."
Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council (WVSC) will now collect the pledges which will help food banks including the Adventist Food Bank, Elias Mattu Foundation, Excel/Bilston People, Good Shepherd, The Real Junk Food project and The Well Food Bank.
The fundraiser comes after the first phase of the One City Fund campaign raised £24,000 – bringing the total raised to more than £50,000.
