The #BrumTogether campaign has been given a financial boost in the form of a £100,000 donation from insurance firm, Direct Line.
The donation from Direct Line’s Community Fund will be used to pay for vital supplies for Birmingham babies, families and vulnerable residents in need during the COVID-19 crisis.
It will specifically be used to create 3,000 baby packs, containing nappies, milk and other vital baby supplies, along with 2,000 child activity packs, including craft supplies, toys and games, and over 6,000 dignity packs of soap, washing powder, deodorant, and shampoo.
Additional support
The packs will be delivered alongside the food parcels that are already being distributed by an army of volunteers from voluntary organisations and food banks across the city.
Made up of more than 60 organisations, the #BrumTogether campaign brings together shared resources within communities to support those in need through several initiatives including:
• City-wide work on food distribution – provision and distribution of food and essential supplies, coordinating a wide range of partner organisations within the city
• Befriending – a friendly phone chat service
• Virtual wellbeing activities – online activities that people can join in with
• Amplifying the positives – sharing positive stories of people coming together to support each other
Penny James, Chief Executive of Direct Line Group, said: “Our Community Fund was established to help fantastic organisations like The Active Wellbeing Society, who are supporting people in real need. As a large employer in Birmingham, we’re delighted we can give something back.”
Cllr Nicky Brennan, founder of Brum Baby Bank, said: “Birmingham is the second city and also has the second highest rate of child poverty in the country. COVID-19 has put increased pressure on lots of families that were already at breaking point. We are grateful for this generous funding from Direct Line because we’ve seen how, in such uncertain times, donations like these ensure babies and young children in Birmingham will have the essentials they need to stay happy, clean and fed.”
Karen Creavin, our Chief Executive, said: “We’ve already seen significant need in the city, and these packs will make a real difference to people’s lives at this difficult time. We’re working closely with over 60 other voluntary organisations and community groups to get food to the people in need. We will all be working hard to distribute these vital items to those in need, who we are coming across in the city. Our collective thanks go to Direct Line for their support to our citizens.”
Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, co-chair of the Birmingham MP’s Covid Response Group, said: “This is a huge boost for Birmingham babies and families in need at this terrible time of crisis. But every crisis brings out the absolute best of us. So a huge thanks to Direct Line for stepping forward and helping the city’s coalition of kindness make a difference to those who need it most.”
For the latest #BrumTogether updates, follow the campaign on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
To make a donation (all money received will go directly to the purchase of food items, hygiene packs, baby packs and activity packs for kids) visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/brumtogether
