In late 2021, Rotary Newton Aycliffe applied to the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and was approved for funding from the Covid-19 Recovery Food and Support Programme to be utilised in the local community for the relief of poverty. The grant was to be used for food hampers, white goods and related aid and assistance.
The project has now been completed, and over 250 people comprising individuals and members of families have benefited from the hard work of a handful of Rotarians and other organisations. Junction 7 was heavily involved in the work, as was St. Clare’s Foodbank and, between them, they received over 55 food hampers for distribution to persons and families referred to them. The white goods were supplied by the County Durham Furniture Help Scheme who delivered and installed 4 cookers, 2 washing machines and other miscellaneous household items and our thanks go to them. In total over 60 families have received assistance during the grant period.
Special mention must be made of Rotarian Geoff Batchelor who works tirelessly in our community for those in need of a little extra help.