January is the bleakest of months for those struggling the most.
Christmas generosity and goodwill dries up, the days are cold and dark, and many find themselves in debt after the festive season. For the families in our region having to choose whether to heat or eat, the hardest days are yet to come.
This Christmas, the Manchester Evening News has asked you, our readers, to donate to local food bank Humans MCR. Thanks to your generosity, the start of the new year will be a little easier for many of these families across Greater Manchester.
READ MORE: Help the hungry in Greater Manchester as we launch Christmas campaign to tackle food poverty
Your response has been extraordinary. Between over £6,200 raised through our GoFundMe link, and over £5,000 donated directly to the charity from Manchester charity donor Michael Josephson MBE, you have helped us raise over £11,000 for Humans MCR. That money will be used in the coming winter months to help as many families as possible have nutritious meals.
The charity was borne out of co-founder Lewey Hellewell's own experiences using food banks after he was made redundant. He told the M.E.N. he found the experience 'undignified', and once back on his feet, wanted to make sure others didn't have to go through the same thing.
What he created is exceptional charity that does things differently. Humans MCR deliver all food to their users in unmarked vans, making the service accessible and private. They give users agency and choice over the food they are given, aiming to provide a food bank that treats people with dignity and respect. And they also provide more long-term solutions to food poverty, including a community grocers service that lets users buy food at slashed prices.
But the work doesn't end here. Over the last month, we've seen the real-life impact the work Humans MCR has on our communities. From going out on delivery drives with them, to interviewing their users, we're convinced that this is a charity doing work that is sadly vital in the current climate. And we know they are only going to get busier. Humans MCR have big plans for 2023 - but they can't do it without our help.
So let's keep the support going as we move into 2023. Humans MCR want to stamp out hunger in Greater Manchester for good. We'll be right behind them.
We're still raising money for Humans MCR - you can donate here.
READ NEXT:
