A charity that transforms young people’s lives in Stoke-on-Trent is urging the local business community to help support its new campaign and ensure families can continue to access its services.
The Hubb Foundation makes school children’s holidays happier, with free food, free activities and free spaces – and is on track to deliver its one-millionth meal next year.
But the charity is calling for help, as its funding for October’s half term in 2023 – and future half terms breaks – is no longer guaranteed.
To bridge the gap, The Hubb Foundation has developed the Business Champions programme, which provides a route for organisations to offer financial support and make a real impact to young peoples’ lives.
Adam Yates, Chief Operating Officer of The Hubb Foundation, said: “All children deserve the best start in life and we help to support families and communities in creating happy, healthy school holidays.
“Next year, we are on track to deliver our one-millionth meal, but we need the help of businesses in our local community to keep this momentum going.
“Thanks to the Department for Education, we have the funding in place for Christmas, Easter and the main summer holidays.
“But by October 2023, funding for Half Term Holiday Provision is no longer guaranteed, so we are asking businesses to support us to ensure we can keep providing opportunities for Stoke-on-Trent families, at a time when support is desperately needed.
“Our target is to raise funds to continue to support each half term. That will make a massive difference to young lives and help families, but we need help to make this happen.”
The Hubb Foundation’s Business Champions programme centres around three tiers of support:
Bronze – a £500 donation will see businesses provide 100 nutritious meals for children who are attending Hubb activities.
Silver – a £2,000 donation will enable 100 children to attend a fun and engaging full-day session, allowing them to access a safe space, enrichment activities and a nutritious meal.
Gold – This £6,000 donation will make a massive difference to 300 children across Stoke-on-Trent, enabling them to have a full day of activities, meals, fun and support.
Adam Yates added: “To make all the good work happen, we really need the help and support of the business community and we hope companies will consider supporting our gold, silver and bronze packages.
“Members of staff can join forces to collectively raise the funds through activities such as sponsored walks, runs, cake bakes, charity of the year choices – or any other way they can get behind The Hubb Foundation to make a difference to young peoples’ lives.”
To find out more about supporting the Business Champions programme, please email [email protected]
- Department for Education funding mentioned in the article is provided through the Holidays Activities and Food Programme (HAF) in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and is due to run until December 2024.
