Hull Esteem is supporting a fund set up to help the families of primary school children who are most in need.
The Children’s University’s Hardship Fund, Helping Hands, was created by Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University and sponsored by Hull City Council. It was kick-started Hull City Council Leader Councillor Mike Ross who announced a £10,000 donation from the local authority.
The fund aims to break down barriers to Hull primary school children in education by supporting their families with challenges they face during the winter months and helping to alleviate the impact of the cost of living crisis.
Hull Esteem donated £25,000 to the fund while other businesses including Sewell Construction, KCOM and Northern Gasworks also financially backed the initiative alongside a philanthropic donation and a grant from the Angus Lawson Memorial Trust.
Schools refer families most in need of support, enabling them to access energy-saving measures such as energy-efficient light bulbs and hot water bottles, as well as providing supermarket vouchers and warm clothing, with help tailored to their needs.
The Thrive Co-operative Learning Trust is providing administrative support to help the fund.
Gavin Barley, General Manager of Hull Esteem, said: “We’re delighted to support the Helping Hands fund and contribute towards offering help to families who need it most.
“Times are challenging for many people and it’s fantastic to see this fund receive backing from several businesses.
“We were also honoured to be invited as a guest of the Lord Mayor of Hull to hear how the support of the fund is being used across the city for those in need.”
Businesses which would like to donate to the fund, which has raised more than £112,000, can call Hull City Council on (01482) 615071.