Northern Echo's Put in a Pound campaign raises £5k for CDCF

Launched this winter, the Echo asked every reader to ‘put in a pound’ to support charities facing unprecedented demand as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit hard.

Thanks to our readers’ generosity the campaign has now reached its £5,000 target.

Read more: 'Monstrous' child rapist jailed after making 'helpless' victim's life hell

The money raised will make a huge difference to the work of the County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF) and its Poverty Hurts appeal across Durham, Darlington and the Tees Valley.

A total of £3,731 has been donated so far and with every pound donated being worth £1.50 thanks to the generosity of the CDCF’s existing supporters, the campaign has now reached more than £5,500 raised in total.

Put in a Pound (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Northern Echo Editor Gavin Foster said: “We launched the Put in a Pound campaign in the hope of making a difference to those really struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

“The County Durham Community Foundation does some amazing work to make sure the money gets to the people who need it the most.

“We only asked people to give £1 as we understand giving donations for everyone is difficult at this time. The idea was to show that even the smallest amount people give can make a huge difference.

“Thank you to everybody who has donated and hopefully this money can really make a difference to people who are struggling.”

Northern Echo editor Gavin Foster (Image: Northern Echo)

Earlier this month the Poverty Hurts campaign, which Put in a Pound was backing, reached almost £1 million in donations.

The foundation is now distributing an outstanding £921,263 to charities, community initiatives and projects which are supporting the people across County Durham and Tees Valley facing hardship because of the cost-of-living crisis.

In the North East 38% of children now live below the poverty line, and one million households in the North were fuel poor before the current crisis, according to a report by the Child of the North All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).

Last year one £1,000 grant helped 186 people, including 81 children. It means the £5.5k raised could help almost 1,000 people.

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Michelle Cooper MBE, Chief Executive of the County Durham Community Foundation said: “A huge thank you to the readers of The Northern Echo.

Michelle Cooper CBE (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“Your generosity, in difficult times, means families and individuals in County Durham and the Tees Valley will be able to access much needed support with their food and fuel bills. But not only that, the £5,000 you’ve raised will also help local community groups to host welcoming, safe spaces, community meals and provide support, advice, and a friendly face for those who are isolated or lonely.

“We care about each other in County Durham, we’re a kind and thoughtful bunch and this has proven it. You are helping us to keep fighting poverty and enriching lives in our community and we are very grateful!”

One of the projects backed by the Poverty Hurts campaign is ‘Serving County Durham and Darlington’, supporting mental health and wellbeing with regular events to combat loneliness and bring people together.

The TCR Hub in Teesdale is another project backed by the County Durham Community Foundation. It was handed £10,000 from the Poverty Hurts campaign in January. (Image: TOM BANKS)

George Duddin, community group leader said: “Sixty people turned up to our last Tea 'n' Chat. Their faces light up at seeing friends there and having a good natter and nice food. The ladies with dementia are always in good spirits too, they leave happy.

“This is something that was needed and the value it has is visible in the faces of those who come.”

Read next:

• How your Put In a Pound donations could help this project fight poverty
• 'Monstrous' child rapist jailed after making 'helpless' victim's life hell
• How this vital County Durham project could benefit from Echo campaign donations

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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.