Bishop Helen-Ann has hailed a diocesan campaign, which raised vital funds for vulnerable people.
The Bishop’s Christmas Appeal was launched back in November in aid of The People’s Kitchen, the Newcastle-based charity that supports people who may be homeless, unemployed, lonely or living in poverty.
People across our diocese made generous donations to the appeal, which ran well into the New Year, while churches held fundraising events such as a carol services and coffee mornings.
After a grand total of £2,938.96 was confirmed, Bishop Helen-Ann said: “I have been very heartened to see so many people embracing the latest Christmas Appeal. A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed.
“The People’s Kitchen has supported vulnerable people for 40 years. This remarkable charity continues to provide hot meals and other essential items, such as sleeping bags, clothing and toiletries for those who need them.
“It’s a huge commitment by dedicated volunteers every single day. The appeal has not only raised vital funds to support this essential work, it has also helped to raise awareness of all that The People’s Kitchen is doing to change the lives of people who are homeless and vulnerable.”
The People’s Kitchen was founded in 1985 by the late Alison Kay, after being shocked by news about the death of a homeless man. She began taking out teas and coffees, but within a year, Alison had built a growing community.
Backed by a team of volunteers, Alison opened The People’s Kitchen to support the homeless with food, clothing and a warm fire for anyone who needed it.
For her work, Alison received an Honorary Degree from Newcastle University in 1997. She passed away in 2001, aged 91, but her legacy remains.
Today, the People’s Kitchen serves more than 250 meals every day – 365 days a year. There's a family atmosphere at the charity’s building, on Bath Lane, where people who use the service are called friends and not ‘service users’.
They are free to chat to each other or enjoy quiet time if they wish. Volunteers are on hand to offer friendly conversation and valuable support. In some cases, friends have given back to the charity by volunteering themselves, after successfully turning their lives around.
Jackie Boardman, a Trustee at The People’s Kitchen, said: “The People’s Kitchen would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated and to Bishop Helen-Ann for her valued support. The kindness and generosity of the people of the North East is what enables us to continue this vital work, helping to make people’s lives a little brighter each day.”
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