Wirral charity Neo Community has launched an urgent £25,000 fundraising appeal to save its annual Christmas food drive, warning that a funding shortfall could leave thousands of local families without vital festive support.
The award-winning charity, which has supported families and individuals experiencing hardship across Wirral since 2014, is calling on businesses, organisations and residents to help raise the money needed to purchase essential food supplies this Christmas.
Each year, Neo Community brings together volunteers, local businesses, schools and residents to provide Christmas dinner essentials, cupboard staples and festive treats to people who need them most.
However, despite having the volunteers, facilities and infrastructure ready to deliver this year’s support, the charity is facing a significant funding gap.
Without the £25,000 needed to purchase food stock, Neo Community fears it may be unable to meet the growing demand for its services during the festive period.
Ema Wilkes, Founder and CEO of Neo Community, said:
“Every Christmas, people across Wirral turn to Neo for support, and every year our incredible team, volunteers, businesses and community supporters somehow make it happen.
“We’ve helped thousands of people over the years, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. But this year, we’re facing a situation where we simply don’t have the financial support needed to purchase the Christmas food we would normally provide.
“We have the volunteers. We have the infrastructure. We have the experience, the relationships and the determination. What we don’t have is the money to buy the food. That’s a really difficult position to be in, particularly when we know how many families and individuals are already struggling.
“Christmas should be a time when people feel connected, supported and part of their community, not a time when parents are worrying about how they’ll put a meal on the table. This isn’t about extravagant Christmas celebrations. It’s about dignity, food, kindness and making sure people know they haven’t been forgotten.
“We are so used to being the people others turn to for help, but this year we’re asking our community for urgent help, so we can deliver the support that is needed this year more than ever.”
The charity has launched a GoFundMe campaign detailing how donations will be spent, including £9,000 to provide Christmas dinner essentials, £3,000 for festive treats and £1,500 towards packing and distribution.
Businesses and organisations are being encouraged to make financial contributions, sponsor food purchases, organise workplace fundraising activities or help the charity access food at wholesale prices.
Members of the public can also support the campaign by making a donation of any size or sharing the appeal with friends, family and colleagues.
Ema added:
“One of the most powerful things about Wirral is the way people come together when it matters. We’ve seen it time and time again through our work at Neo.
“Now we’re hoping that the same community spirit can help us make Christmas happen once again. Whether it’s £5, £50 or a business sponsoring a larger food purchase, every single contribution matters. We can’t do this alone, but together, we really can make a difference.”
Businesses wishing to sponsor the appeal, make a larger donation or discuss other ways to help can contact Neo Community on 0151 647 5981 or email info@neocommunity.org.uk.
Donations can be made directly through the charity’s GoFundMe page.
