Signed Burnley FC shirt competition to help boost free meals fund

Since the start of the pandemic, Charter House Resource Centre has delivered more than 13,000 free meals to vulnerable people throughout Burnley and Padiham.

For a £10 donation, the organisation is now giving people the chance to win a signed framed Burnley FC shirt, with all monies raised continuing to support the community welfare meals project.

Charter House manager Jason Smith said: “Due to the Coronavirus restrictions and the nature of our disability daycare, we’ve been forced to close our doors temporarily to our regular service users.

"However, we knew that there were a multitude of other ways to support vulnerable people in Burnley and beyond, so we got straight to work with outreach services.

“We are currently supplying anyone over 65, anyone that’s shielding, and anyone with a disability in the Burnley and Padiham areas with a daily free meal delivered to their doorstep, as well as providing free packed lunches to children.

“With the backing of some fantastic and generous volunteers, we’ve managed to expand our kitchen facilities and become recognised as one of the biggest Covid responders in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

“Alongside cooking delicious meals, the team have also been baking ‘cakes for keyworkers’ and creating hampers for people with learning difficulties, to brighten their day and let them know we’re thinking about them.

“I believe it’s not only the food itself making a positive impact on people’s lives at the moment, but the support and interaction that they might not otherwise have had during this period of isolation.

"Spending a few minutes a day in conversation with a vulnerable person, taking their meal order over the phone, or having a quick chat while delivering it, can often be the most important thing. Loneliness has a huge impact on people and communities, and together we are making a difference!

“Free meals is a hot topic at the moment, especially with Marcus Rashford’s recent campaign to extend school meal vouchers throughout the summer. Our aim is to continue providing this service as long as possible, hopefully even once things return to ‘normal’.

"We’re so grateful for all the companies and individuals that have helped us so far; the response to our appeals for volunteer drivers, products, ingredients and services has been phenomenal. Burnley’s kindness is overwhelming.

“We’re thrilled to have this signed framed Burnley FC Shirt up for grabs, and one lucky person will be able to show what a great ‘supporter’ they are – in more ways than one! Don’t miss out, we’ll be drawing the winner on the last day of the season.”

The draw will take place on Sunday, July 26th, at noon.

To enter, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/charter-house and donate £10 or more.

Make sure to write your name and ‘BURNLEY SHIRT’ in the comments and then contact Charter House with your contact details via Facebook Messenger.

The shirt was kindly donated by Steve Dodson, who has supported the community welfare meals project throughout lockdown, and it was framed by The Picture Framing Shop Burnley.