Tracey Godfrey-Harrison, project manager at Middlesbrough Foodbank, said: 鈥淚鈥檝e been involved in the foodbank in Middlesbrough for around four years and we鈥檝e seen a steady increase each year in the amount of people accessing help.
鈥淲e really welcome this donation, which will go straight back into our running costs. We have an amazing volunteer team, and the support we receive too from the general public is really generous.鈥�
The community grocery store in Darlington is run in partnership by Christian charity The Message Trust and Darlington Baptist Church.
The store, which opens weekdays, sells surplus foods and items from retailers at a lower cost. It is aimed at individuals and families across Darlington who are on a tight budget by helping to provide affordable food options.
Neil Brumby, who manages the store, said: 鈥淥ur aim is to help and support people in need and shopping on a budget, while also helping to reduce food waste.
Nicola McBean, of Autism Parents Together, said: 鈥淭he charity provides education, information and opportunities designed to support and enable autistic children and young people to maximise their potential. We also providing support groups, forums, advice, advocacy and general support for autistic children and their families.鈥�
Rachel Jones, 海角直播鈥檚 Deputy Head of Events, who nominated Autism Parents Together, said: 鈥淎s a parent of a child with autism, I鈥檝e seen how much this charity does for families like mine 鈥� putting on events where my son can truly be himself and we can enjoy things we wouldn鈥檛 usually have access to. Nominating them felt like a small way to say thank you for all the support they give.鈥�
Be the Change has already been able to make a positive impact on a wide range of organisations since its launch in 2023, helping a range of charities and groups which deliver positive social impact in our local communities.
Previous rounds of donations have helped local organisations which continue to address raising aspirations, build community cohesion, promote digital inclusion, and inspire their local communities.