Campaign to feed Blackpool children smashes £7,000 target

Now Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Webb, who launched the online fundraiser, has set a higher target of £10,000 after being overwhelmed by the huge response.

By noon today the total reached was £8,465.

Chris launched the fundraiser after a vote in Parliament this week in which MPs including Blackpool South MP Scott Benton voted against extending free school meals in the school holidays, such as October half term and Christmas.

After the initial target was reached sooner than expected, Chris said: "I just want to thank each and every one of you for your kind donations to ensure no child goes hungry this half term in Blackpool.

"We've reached £7,000 in just 50 hours for Blackpool Food Bank, which is truly remarkable, and I'm humbled by the generosity of local residents.

"This campaign was started after MPs voted against supporting children during the school holidays with free school meals."

He said local residents and businesses had needed to step in to help after Conservatives MPs who voted against continuing free school meals won a majority.

His campaign was inspired by the petition started by Manchester United and England player Marcus Rashford, following a campaign over the summer holidays to keep the free school meals in place.

Nearly 40 per cent of all pupils in Blackpool are eligible for free school meals and registrations have increased.

There has been widespread support for Rashford's campaign across the country.

After the launch of his fundraiser, Chris said: “After I saw the Government voted against extending free school meals in the school holidays, I knew right away this would have a devastating impact on thousands of Blackpool families.

“Blackpool Council announced just this week they’ve seen an increase of 21 per cent in free school meal registrations since March and now thousands of children are at risk of going hungry over the holidays.

“In the past I’ve organised food collections for Blackpool Food Bank, however with the pandemic getting worse I felt an online collection was the safest way to do it. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support with £3,000 donated in 24 hours of launching the fundraiser.

“I know it’s a hard time to ask for money, and I do understand many may not be able to give much. But if you can help, Blackpool Food Bank and local families could use your support.”