A community project which has received a £5,000 boost in its fight against poverty this winter could benefit further from your donations to our Put in a Pound campaign.
The Easington Lane Community Access Point (ELCAP) supports 2,000 people a week and has become the beating heart of the community once built around Hetton Colliery: offering food, friendship, transport to and from the centre, computer access and much more.
Read more: The Northern Echo launches 'Put in a Pound' campaign to fight poverty this Christmas
The Northern Echo’s Put in a Pound Campaign, launched earlier this month is supporting groups like ELCAP and has already raised almost £3,000 thanks to the generosity of readers.
The campaign, launched with the County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF) will direct money to small projects like the ELCAP to help fight poverty in the North East this winter.
ELCAP received the £5,000 cash injection from the Banks Group which has now become a key supporter of CDCF’s Poverty Hurts Appeal, also backed by the Put in a Pound Campaign.
Michelle Cooper, chief executive of the Foundation, said: “The Appeal is bringing so many people together for a common cause and we really appreciate this huge wave of community spirit.”
Since 2001 the ELCAP the team has grown from two part-time staff members to 15, assisted by 12 volunteers and a fleet of five minibuses, two that are disabled-friendly, which are vital to members of the surrounding community that have no other means of accessing the centre.
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The group helps provide vital contact time, particularly for elderly people, and has helped friendships blossom. It also offers a Monday lunch club which has around 50 members and costs only £4 per person.
One regular, 93-year-old Anne Park, a County Durham resident, who has been going to the lunch club for around five years said: “If it wasn’t for this I wouldn’t get out. You get a lovely meal, a bit of company, and entertainment – what more do you want? And everybody is so nice.”
But like many primarily grant-supported organisations, ELCAP has seen some of its private donations dry up over recent weeks.
Shaun Newton, Manager at the Centre said: “Donations have dwindled quite a way and the cashflow forecast keeps me awake at night. I’m always looking for the best deals to meet our running costs.
“There are no borders in our work. We’re happy to support people no matter who they are or where they’re from.
“For many it’s a lifeline.”
The Put in a Pound campaign has now raised almost £3,000 and could help organisations like ELCAP offer their vital community services.
You can donate just £1*, or more if you can afford it, through The Northern Echo’s 'Poverty Hurts' fundraising page by clicking HERE or scanning the QR code.
*A small amount from each donation is taken as a processing fee by County Durham Community Foundation's trusted giving platform 'enthuse'.
For example, if you donate £20 plus £5 Gift Aid, 83p will be taken as a processing fee. Due to the Foundation matching donations, your final donation would be £34.17.
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