I organised this charity ball because I believe so passionately that we should be charitable and help others, I have done many other fundraising events but none as big as this, so far it's been extremely hard and stressful to coordinate but I have to keep positive because now more than ever people need our help! In our region more than 400 food banks are now in operation, with around two opening every week. Over half of the charities I have chosen to donate to have been food banks and soup kitchens, having volunteered at Fleetwood Food Bank I understand the challenges and disadvantages facing many- 913,138 people - a third of them children - were given three days of emergency food between 2013-2014, compared to 346,992 people between 2012-2013. These families rely on donated food which they receive weekly usually for a short period time whilst they try and stabilise the situation they're in. A typical food box contains a minimum of three days' nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food such UHT milk, pasta and rice and tins of sauces, vegetables and fruit. With our donations we can help provide fresh and balanced meals to help users sustain a healthy diet and provide people with the nutrients they need.
Lourdes is another organisation I am raising money for. Last year I travelled to Lourdes in France with Lancaster diocese along with 30 other young people to help assist the sick and elderly as they venture out on their pilgrimage. Lourdes is a truly breath taking place as it is the place where Bernadette first had visions of Mary as a child. This money gives young people the chance from Lancashire to travel to Lourdes and volunteer to help the nurses and careers who are out there -as many of these people are very seriously ill and this maybe the only time they properly get out through the year.
By purchasing a ticket or giving a donation we can help tackle this poverty to create a better standard of living.