From the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 until the end of the year the charity delivered the meals across the region, both to individuals and in partnership with schools, domestic violence refuges, to the elderly and the ill.
Managing Director of North East law firm Emmersons Solicitors, Jacqueline Emmerson, who has supported the charity since it began in 2017, said: “Since the pandemic hit many people have lost their jobs or been on reduced hours and pay and struggled to feed their families. Others may have been ill or shielding and not had any relatives or loved ones to look after them, or been in hospital and had no food when they have returned home. A lot more people are now struggling due to a variety of circumstances.
“This charity relies solely on donations and has a very small team who are able to support those in the community – that’s why it is so important for them to gain the help that they need in order to support those who are in need of food packages. When supporting this charity, you know that any monetary donations are going directly to purchasing the food as there are very little admin costs of overheads.
“The charity receives great support from local people, and it is uplifting to see the amount of food contributed, however the service from Feeding Families is more needed than ever. This is why I would urge anyone who is able to donate to this organisation to do so.”
Jacqueline and the team at Emmersons Solicitors have promoted the charity since its launch in 2017, collecting food donations from individuals and businesses via the firm’s Sunderland and Gosforth offices. The firm also recently arranged for £1,000 worth of food to be delivered to Feeding Families.
Emmersons Solicitors dedication to local causes also includes; its membership of Solicitors for the Elderly, a specialist group of lawyers who have pledged to make a difference to older and vulnerable people, its 20-year relationship with SSAFA, which is the Armed Forces charity, its involvement in the Alzheimer’s Association scheme offering reduced fee work in relation to Lasting Powers of Attorney, its participation in Cancer UK’s free Wills scheme as well its fundraising for The British Heart Foundation via a will scheme and homeless charity, Crisis.
Emmersons Solicitors also takes part in Free Wills Month, which brings together a group of well-respected charities to offer members of the public aged 55 and over the opportunity to have their simple Wills written or updated free of charge by using participating solicitors in locations across England, Scotland and Wales.
Emmersons Will Writing Team has agreed to take part in this scheme to help the charities involved including Breast Cancer Now, Marie Curie, Age UK, British Heart Foundation, Royal British Legion, Versus Arthritis, Stoke Association, National Trust, Guide Dogs, NSPCC, RNLI and Mencap.
The firm’s work has led to multiple awards including the Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Awards and its Best National Small Firm win at the Law Society Excellence Awards as well as Jacqueline’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Wearside Women in Business Awards.
Juliet Sanders, CEO of Feeding Families, said: “The continued support from Emmersons Solicitors is really appreciated. We rely on local people and organisations to donate to support local families during this challenging time.
“Based in the North East of England, we began through one family helping another, but now we also accept donations from businesses, schools, colleges, groups of friends, churches and many more ensuring the quick and efficient packing and distribution of these essential packages to the people who need them most.”
For more information please visit www.emmersons-solicitors.co.uk or call 0191 567 6667
