Today was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I suppose I was a bit naïve thinking that I was just dropping off the funds raised so far from The Hunger Anthology. A quick hello and “here’s £250, thanks for everything you do”. I mean it was pretty obvious when you think about it that this was going to be an emotional visit. Foodbanks and everything that comes with them is a real issue to me and the exact reason why Bam and myself chose this great charity. What I didn’t expect was to find myself fighting back tears at a perfectly converted changing rooms full of carefully packaged food baskets, toiletries, furniture, bedding and so much more. All waiting for volunteers to deliver them around our county. It didn’t get any easier when FIND’s founder, Maureen Reynel, showed me around the rest of the warehouse unit. Suddenly, I realised that it meant as much to Maureen to show me what FIND does as the donation itself.

There was a pantry dedicated to pet food and supplies. Maureen broke my heart when she said it was a necessity to provide these are those on the receiving end would otherwise share their own food with their pets. I just couldn’t get over how much was all there under this one roof. But the reality is, all of this stock donated by the kindness of others will already be gone by the time I write this post. I was shocked to learn that the cost of food supplies alone that go through FIND’s shutters is a £1000 a week. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with the anthology so far but when you consider that this is a drop in the ocean compared to the donations that keep FIND going, it really is a testament to human generosity. You can guarantee that this isn’t the last FIND have heard of Urban Pigs Press. We will continue to push the brilliant anthology and continue to support our chosen cause.

I can’t thank all of you enough. From the authors who contributed, the artists, those who purchased a copy or even those who liked and shared a post. You really have made a positive impact to those who need it most.

Times are hard for the most of us and you’ve already done so much. However, if you haven’t picked up a copy or even if you can spare the smallest of donations, FIND (for good or bad) aren’t going anywhere. I’ll add details on how to donate for those who want to.

Thanks again from Urban Pigs Press and of course, FIND.

https://www.findipswich.org.uk/support-us

FIND was established as a registered charity in 1990 by Maureen Reynel MBE. We help those that are deprived of a minimum standard of living, whether they are single, families, lone parents, children, elderly, sick, disabled or homeless. We offer free of charge food, household items, furniture, nursery equipment and nappies, beds and bedding and, when available, cookers, washing machines and refrigerators. When appropriate, this includes personal support too.

Every year the number of food parcels distributed increases, over 2020 and 2021 over 7,600 food parcels were distributed. In 2019 6,200 food parcels were distributed. In 2018 we gave out 3,847 food parcels and 2,266 Christmas hampers, over 6,000 adults and children were helped by FIND, double that helped in 2017. 

We aim to work even harder this year to bring even a small amount of comfort to the lives of thousands of children and families living in poverty.