WOODEN SPOON AND RED ROSE TACKLE HUNGER WITH ‘PASS THE PLATE’ INITIATIVE
Through the power of rugby, Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, has launched a new initiative for 2023 ‘Pass the Plate’ in support of food banks and community schemes up and down the country helping people struggling to feed their families.
The scheme will see Wooden Spoon provide local programmes with monetary donations to help people in these challenging economic times and, will contribute to putting food on the plates of many.
To officially mark the launch of the campaign, the charity has teamed up with former Red Rose and Harlequins player, Shaunagh Brown to deliver £2,000 to Lewisham food bank as part of ‘Pass the Plate’.
Committed to supporting and engaging with her local community, as well as understanding the importance of helping to transform the lives of vulnerable children, Shaunagh will spend time at the food bank on 14th March talking to the volunteers and finding out how they support those accessing their services.
Brown, who has won four Women’s Six Nations titles and the Premier 15s title with Quins, as well as competing at the World Cup, said: “Food poverty is such an important issue in the UK and something I’m very passionate about. Through working with Wooden Spoon, I’ve been introduced to the amazing work that they’ve been doing to sustain food banks, as well as help make sure that vulnerable children and young adults have access to life-changing programmes.”
In rapid response, Wooden Spoon and their family of rugby supporters across the country have already donated to those who have been hit the hardest, with 33 initiatives such as Foodshed in Stevenage, Chelmsford Food Bank, Kings Food Bank, The Quest Academy, Home Start, Norwich Food Hub and Worcester Food Bank receiving vitals funds.
However, there is a still much work to be done to combat hunger across the UK and Ireland, Wooden Spoon are appealing for donations towards their Pass the Plate initiative to enable them to respond to the increased demand.
It is clear the continuing rising costs of living is putting extreme pressure on vulnerable families and individuals – with increased numbers of people turning to their local food banks to keep their loved ones fed. Sarah Wood, CEO at Wooden Spoon, said: “ We are pleased to launch our Pass the Plate initiative to raise vital funds to help families struggling to feed their children. Our aim is to provide much-needed support to food banks, schools and initiatives across the UK and Ireland, All that do such tremendous work for children and their families who need support, especially during a time that has brought its own extra complications and challenges.
“We wouldn’t be able to achieve so much without the rugby family and the generous support from our outstanding Wooden Spoon sponsors, supporters and ambassadors such as Shaunagh Brown.”
For the last 40 years, Wooden Spoon has established itself as a leading charity within the rugby community by working with a nationwide team of passionate individuals and ambassadors to raise vital financial resources to support life-changing projects and initiatives across the UK & Ireland.
To find out more about Wooden Spoon and to donate to Pass the Plate please click here.
