Candidates spearhead Christmas charity collections - The Evesham Observer

Candidates spearhead Christmas charity collections

Evesham Editorial 12th Dec, 2020   0

LABOUR’s Helen Russell and Mary Campbell joined other Evesham Labour Party members in a Covid-secure version of their annual charity collection.

Members arrived at timed intervals to place donated items into two car boots at a Swan Lane car park. One collection was for Evesham’s Caring Hands food bank Christmas appeal. The other was for Evesham Vale Welcomes Refugees, which supports Malvern-based ‘People in Motion’ who distribute help to displaced people across Europe.

Both candidates for next year’s county council elections joined Ros Gowers, who co-ordinated the event, in welcoming the generosity of local residents and party members, especially at a challenging time.

“We know that with rising unemployment, especially among Wychavon’s young people, and the sharp rise in local claimants for universal credit, local foodbanks are under pressure,” Mary said.




“There is increasing demand for family food parcels, meaning that children are seriously affected.

“We are glad to help but see this level of need as an indictment of our unfair society. A genuine ‘Living Wage’ and a benefits system that offers lasting security to those in need would render foodbanks obsolete’.


Helen, who is standing in Evesham North and West, added: “It is great to see the compassion of Evesham residents for the plight of refugees, who over the next few months will face sub-zero temperatures, stranded in makeshift camps.

“Some just over the Channel are facing almost daily invasions from police who often confiscate their belongings. These brutal conditions, alongside the pandemic, will mean that countless families will struggle to survive the winter.

“Our donations will go some way to helping families get through this very tough period.”

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