As part of its pledge to support Gateshead Foodbank and Newcastle West End Foodbank in 2019, intu Metrocentre has officially opened its food bank donation box.
The initiative, which is part of intu Metrocentre’s 2019 Charity of the Year campaign, encourages shoppers to donate food items from a list of necessities and can be found in the Lower Green Mall, near Market Cross Jewellers and Vodafone.
Gateshead and Newcastle West End Foodbanks are dedicated to tackling food poverty and hunger in the local area, supporting individuals and families in crisis. In order to provide fundamental items for the communities they support, the following items are required: Tinned fruit, milk (UHT or powdered), sugar, long-life fruit juice, tins of sponge puddings, tinned vegetables, breakfast cereals, tinned rice pudding, jars of instant coffee, tinned meat or fish, packets of biscuits, snacks and ketchup.
The Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Michael Hood launched the initiate along with The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor David Cook as well as local actress and committed charity worker Sharon Percy who is best known for her role in the film I, Daniel Blake.
Councillor Michael Hood, The Mayor of Gateshead, said: “I’m delighted to help launch the food donation box at intu Metrocentre. Food donations are always welcome for the various foodbanks within the local area and this will benefit so many families who are in need of some extra support and help.”
Councillor David Cook, The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, said: “I applaud intu Metrocentre for choosing Gateshead & Newcastle West End Foodbanks as their charity to support this year and everyone who gives their time and effort towards supporting food banks in whatever way.”
Actress Sharon Percy, said: “I know that food banks have a huge impact on those individuals, people who use food banks are in a vital state. It’s not just unemployed people, it’s people on low income and if that support wasn’t there, people would go hungry.”
Gavin Prior, Regional Centre Director at intu Metrocentre, added: “We’re delighted to be able to help such crucial charities in the local community. We encourage anyone who is in a position to offer items to the food bank donation box to do so as it will make a significant impact to those in need.”
It’s the third consecutive year that intu Metrocentre is continuing its charitable campaign. Previous initiatives within the 2018 Charity of the Year succeeded in raising an impressive £5,000 in charitable donations from shoppers, colleagues, friends and family.
For those who wish to donate, the food box will be at intu Metrocentre until Sunday 3rd November.