Dear Readers,
Next week will see the return of our regular newsletter, Off The Fence. But for now, please do read and donate to our Christmas appeal.
This year, the coronavirus has overwhelmed us all. But we had no idea that it has put people in the UK on the brink of starvation.
Some of you may have seen the BBC’s report into how families in Burnley are ripping bags of food open. If you haven’t watched it, then please do so. It is harrowing viewing, especially to see the clergymen who have kept their flock from death’s door break down into tears.
We have spent the last year worrying about the future of print. But, in the land of our birth, there have been families unable to survive.
Broadly speaking, the pandemic has broken what was left of the welfare state. Loan sharks and landlords have pushed low-income families onto the breadline. Things as simple as heating and new clothes have become luxuries. As ever, children and the elderly are often the worst hit.
We have been in contact with the Diocese of Blackburn. They need our help. Money raised for Christmas is all well and good, but the cold and bitter months of January, February and March lie ahead. Food programmes already stretched risk hitting breaking point as the economic effect of the pandemic begins to bite our very poorest communities.
This is why we are launching our appeal for them. We are hoping to raise £10,000 to provide hot meals and long-lasting essentials (from porridge oats to toothbrushes) for the next three months.
We have given £200 to our appeal, here. We hope you can share it with those close to you. No one needs to starve at any time of the year, let alone Christmas.
Yours,
TF
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