Lewisham Mayor launches Winter Appeal campaign to provide the homeless with hot meals

A borough mayor has launched a fundraising campaign which will help provide hot meals for people without access to shelter or food this winter.

Mayor of Lewisham Damien Egan organised the Winter Appeal charity drive, which will support the work of the 999 Club and Lewisham Food bank.

The Deptford-based 999 Club offers help to those without a home or in a vulnerable housing situation.
The appeal has raised more than £1,500 for the charities, which is enough to provide 75 people with hot meals for a week, according to the Winter Appeal GoFundMe page.

The Mayor said on twitter: “With shops building up to Black Friday please consider including a £10 donation to support these amazing local charities.”

An estimated 26 per cent of all residents and 35 per cent of children living in the borough are in poverty, according to the most recent figures from Trust for London.

Gulen Pett, head of fundraising for the 999 Club, said on the GoFundMe page: “As we approach the festive period why not make a donation to help the 999 club keep supporting those who are most in need.

“Many of us will be thinking about buying presents for friends and family, what better gift is there than knowing you have made a contribution towards ensuring others don’t go hungry this winter.”