HADRIAN’S Wall Rotary has allocated £2,500 to launch and run a Rotary Food Voucher Scheme with West Northumberland Food Bank. The scheme has two main aims; to help people who are struggling and in need due to circumstances beyond their control, such as Covid-19 and the effects of Brexit, and to benefit small, local shops struggling to survive in these difficult times. The food voucher will give recipients the dignity to choose their own produce and the ability to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, eggs, and meat, while putting money into local businesses to help them to recover and build back.
Around £25,000 has been donated by Rotary North East to help Covid hit organisations and charities in the region in the year since the first lockdown. The local Rotary Clubs of Hadrian’s Wall, Hexham and Tynedale have received grants from Rotary North East to support local charities and good causes. These have enabled the clubs to supply laptops for Tynedale schools, provide hand creams to a local hospital and care homes, support local food banks and set up a voucher scheme with West Northumberland Food Bank and local independent businesses. Rotary North East District Governor Barbara Broadbelt said she was “incredibly proud” of the way Rotary Clubs have responded to the needs in their areas.