Hunger is not just a third world problem

In the UK over 13 million people are living on the edge of poverty (Government indices of deprivation 2004). This number is increasing daily as the world struggles to overcome a second year of global recession.

When a crisis occurs such as illness, bereavement, benefit delay or redundancy, if there is no safety net of money then you may find yourself unable to feed yourself or your family. No-one is exempt from this, human nature dictates the general feeling of 'it'll never happen to me'. Many famous names have gone to the wall over the past few years, who would ever have thought 5 years ago that there wouldn't be a branch of Woolworths on virtually every high Street?

A crisis can quickly become extremely desperate leading to house repossession, relationship breakdown or something worse.



During season 2009/2010, AFC Bournemouth made great strides in strengthening its ties with the local community by helping various different charities. Some appeals lasted for weeks such as the 2 Julia's House Appeals and the Youth Cancer Trust Appeal, others for just a single game. The club wishes to continue that good work this season and will be running various charitable Appeals throughout the season. As with last season the clubs charitable efforts kick off with an appeal for donations for Bournemouth Food bank.

The club had two separate food bank appeals last year and thanks to the generosity of the fans amassed over 1 tonne of food to help those needier than themselves. Bournemouth Food Bank works in our locality to support people who are on the edge of disaster. The charity provides up to 3 days of emergency food for people in crisis. It was launched in December 2007 and started giving out food in January 2008.

Last year the Food Bank collected 16 tonnes of food and were able to help 3000 families and single people struggling to live from day to day. With the festive season drawing ever closer most of us are buying some extra treats, hiding presents away from the children and beginning to prepare excitedly for the Festive season. Sadly though for thousands of others the festive season brings extra stress as they struggle to survive and instead of shopping for tinsel and treats their thoughts are on how they will provide a dinner that day, let alone anything else.

This year's Food Bank appeal kicks off at the Hartlepool game on Saturday 11th December and Cherries' fans are being urged to bring food donations to the game where food bank volunteers will collect them. Even if every supporter just bought 1 tin of food or bag of rice with them that would be over 6000 items being donated. It all adds up pretty quickly.

Adam Murry, who is organising the Appeal stated 'We are delighted to be running a further appeal for the Food Bank. They do tremendous work for local people who have fallen on hard times and they deserve our support. None of us know what's round the next corner, and the Food bank is just one of a number a charities that each and every one of us might need help from at one point in our lives. If we were the ones needing the help we would be hoping that people lucky enough not to will offer their support and help in any way they can.

It is in times like this when communities need to pull together and take a positive action. I urge not just AFCB supporters, but everyone in the community to make just a small gesture to this vital cause and show your support by bringing to the Hartlepool game, non-perishable items for the food bank such as:

Baby food, Tinned meat, Tinned fish, Pasta/Rice, UHT Milk, Sugar, Cereals, Tinned rice/puddings, Tinned beans, Tinned vegetables, Tinned tomatoes, Long life fruit juice, Biscuits, Tea, Coffee, Snacks/Chocolate, any spare christmas treats.

As with last season's foodbank appeals we will also be collecting for Waggy Tails and the Cats Protection League at the same time. Representatives from both charities will be in attendance with the staff from the foodbank collecting and tins/packets of dog/cat food and cat litter..

Let's see if we can raise more than last year.'

The Food bank stated 'We would like to thank AFC Bournemouth fans, for their donations last year, which amounted to 1 tonne. Well done!!'



Contact info: Adam Murry 01202 768950

Collection teams will be at AFCB vs Hartlepool Game

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