Caritas plea: Help us to make sure noone goes hungry
Saturday 14th March 2020The full impact of coronavirus is still to become clear. The situation is changing daily, and it is easy to see why the response of many has been to stockpile food and supplies in preparation for any isolation period they may face.
However, the result of this stockpiling is having an immediate impact on the supply of food and essential items around the country. There is one group of organisations that are struggling more than most.
Last week food banks across Britain were running out of staples, including milk and cereal, as a result of panic-buying. Food donations have fallen sharply since the corona virus outbreak.
Though we live in one of the most economically developed and wealthy countries in our world, we are faced with the fact that food bank usage is rising, and many families and individuals have to rely on emergency food parcels. In a country where people in work are struggling on low pay and cannot afford to feed themselves, the situation is likely to get worse as we come to terms with the economic impact of coronavirus.
Our sister charity Caritas Salford provide essential support services to those of all ages who are vulnerable across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. These services become more vital at a time when communicable diseases such as Covid-19 (coronavirus) spread quickly. The vulnerable people Caritas support, especially those who are homeless or rough sleeping, are more likely to be at risk because they have underlying health problems and limited access to good welfare facilities.
Over the past few weeks, Caritas Salford have been following the advice of the public health authorities. Measures have been put into place to help prevent the spread of the virus and contingency plans are being reviewed to do everything we can continue to support those in need.
But they need your help to keep these essential services running.
What can you do to help?
As we prepare for potential disruption and increased demand, Caritas is appealing to our parishes and communities across the diocese for additional support. If you can assist by donating any items from the list below, please contact one our local centres. The staff and volunteers would be very pleased to receive any donations and will arrange distribution to the places most in need. In particular we are looking for:
- Cereals
- Tinned Soups and Stew
- Pasta, rice and pasta sauce.
- Tinned meat or fish, beans and vegetables and fruit.
- Long life milk or natural fruit juices.
Alternatively, you may be in a position to make a financial donation to help support our work across the diocese. Donations can be made online via https://www.justgiving.com/caritassalford or by contacting our Finance Team on 0161-817 2250.
This will help keep Caritas Salford’s services running during a crucial time. Any support you can give is very gratefully received, no donation is too small!
Over the coming weeks Caritas management and staff will continue to closely monitor the situation. We’re very grateful for the vital work of our excellent staff and volunteers in taking precautions and in preparing to support those most in need.
If you need support or would like to make a donation, you can find more details of Caritas Salford’s projects below
Caritas Offices
Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 5pm
Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
0161-817 2250
Caritas House
Monday – Friday, 8.30 – 5pm
Nobby Stiles Way, Collyhurst, M4 4FA
0161 817 2250
Bolton Charity Shop
Tuesday – Friday, 9am-4pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm
130-132 Newport Street, Bolton, BL3 6AB
01204 370 927
Bury Red Door
Tuesday 10am – 4pm, Thursday 11am – 4pm
St Joseph’s Presbytery, Peter Street, Bury, BL9 6AB
0161 272 0771
Cornerstone
By arrangement
104b Denmark Road, Manchester, M15 6JS
0161 232 8888
Lalley Centre drop-in
Wednesday 10am-1pm, Thursday 9.30am-4pm, Friday 10am-3pm
St Malachy’s School, Eggington Street, Collyhurst, Manchester, M40 7RG
0161 205 2754
Tagged | Around the Diocese | Charity | Society
