When we started our brand-new charity fundraising campaign, Metro.co.uk Lifeline in June this year, we had no idea how successful it would be.
However, it seems that despite launching in the middle of lockdown, we underestimated just how generous our readers could be.
The campaign was in support of grassroots charity, The Hygiene Bank, which coordinates donations and distribution of much needed hygiene products such as shower gel, nappies and toothpaste, to families and people in desperate need – and as the pandemic took hold we were faced with some stark facts.
According to the charity, long before someone goes to a food bank they stop buying toiletries.
So, armed with the knowledge that there have been over three million new claims for Universal Credit since March this year, while the Trussell Trust food bank network reported an 81% year-on year increase for emergency food parcels in April, it was clear that a lot of people need The Hygiene Bank’s help desperately.
And that’s where our campaign came in.
Moved by the stories we shared of people affected by hygiene poverty and the amazing work the charity and its volunteers carry out, Metro.co.uk readers not only dug deep to donate to The Hygiene Bank, some also joined us on a 26-mile fundraising walk.
Following a sunrise start on Saturday in September, over 50 people, including celebrity supporters Charlie Webster, Vicky Pattison and Meg Mathews, spent the day taking on 10 of London’s hidden ‘peaks’, organised by Charity Challenge.
There were blisters galore by the end, but it was more than worth it as our final fundraising tally has just come in and we have raised a whopping £61, 426!
Speaking about our campaign, The Hygiene Bank founder Lizzy Hall said, ‘Metro.co.uk Lifeline helped us raise critical awareness about hygiene poverty and we were truly honoured to be selected for this year’s campaign.
‘Such support not only really bolstered our efforts to shine a light on why hygiene poverty matters in the UK, but also helped us raise an incredible windfall that will enable us to deliver hygiene products to many of those struggling financially and in need.’
Edgar Penollar, CEO of The Hygiene Bank, added: ‘We would like to express our deepest thanks for the funds that have been raised in support of The Hygiene Bank.
‘We are all desperately aware that there are more and more of us who will be falling into poverty especially due to the impact of the pandemic, and as a result there will be a significant increase in the demand for the services of our charity. Your support and the funds raised will help us in delivering that service.’
While we’ll be sad to say goodbye to our friends at The Hygiene Bank now this year’s campaign has officially come to a finish, we’ll still very much continue to support the charity’s brilliant work, including news of their upcoming Christmas project in the next few weeks.
And, after this year’s success, we can’t wait to get started on our next Metro.co.uk Lifeline campaign that will help raise vital funds for another amazing charity – so keep an eye out for what we’ve got in store for 2021!
MORE: Meet the trekkers who helped raise over £50,000 for The Hygiene Bank
MORE: We see parents having to decide whether to heat the home, feed their family or buy hygiene products
MORE: All you need to know about The Hygiene Bank – our chosen charity for Metro.co.uk’s Lifeline campaign
Metro.co.uk Lifeline
This year sees the launch of our exciting new charity campaign: Metro.co.uk Lifeline. Our aim is simple - to raise as much money as possible for charity with YOUR help.
For 2020 we have chosen to support The Hygiene Bank, a vital charity that helps distribute hygiene products for those most in need.
As well as sharing their story to help raise awareness, readers and celebrities will also be doing a 26-mile fundraising hike across London's '10 Peaks' on Saturday 19 September, 2020.
To make a donation, click here.
source https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/21/metro-co-uk-lifeline-campaign-raises-over-60000-for-charity-13446861/
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