Franklins Solicitors is proud to announce the success of our Pallets of Hope campaign, which has helped bring vital support and festive cheer

YMCA- MK

to families facing hardship across Milton Keynes, Northampton and the surrounding areas this Christmas.

Through the gener

osity of employees, supporters and local businesses, the campaign has funded 20 pallets of food, clothing, gifts and essential household items, with a combined retail value of approximately £40,000.

Working in partnership with His Church Charity, the pallets were distributed to food banks, schools and community centres supporting those most in need. Beneficiary organisations included:

Fundraising activities included a Christmas Quiz hosted at Franklins’ Ashton House offices, the Milton Keynes tuck shop initiative, and ongoing donations through MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach. Special thanks are also extended to Lynn from A Fitter Life, who went above and beyond in raising additional funds to support the campaign, further strengthening the community’s ability to give.

Andrea Smith of Franklins Solicitors, who spearheaded the campaign, said:

“While Christmas is a time when need is more visible, the reality is that many families in our communities struggle all year round. That’s why we are proud not only to lead the Pall

ets of Hope campaign, but also to provide ongoing support to MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach.

By donating through these organisations, businesses can be confident their money goes further, reaching those who need it most through the incredible work of His Church Charity.”

Richard Humphrey from His Church Charity highlighted the impact of the partnership approach:

“We are grateful for all the retail and manufacturing partners who trust His Church to redistribute their surplus products to help vulnerable people through first class front-line

The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation

Charities, like the 11 amazing organisation we have supported through Pallets of Hope. This Campaign powerfully demonstrates what’s possible when businesses and charities collaborate to make a difference in their communities.”

Local charities receiving support also praised the initiative.

A spokesperson from The Northampton Hope Centre said:

“The Pallets of Hope campaign has made a real difference to the people we support. Access to food, clothing and household essentials at this time of year helps relieve immediate pressure and allows us to focus on longer-term support.”

Meanwhile, Hannah Forbes from Baby Basics Milton Keynes added:

“The donated items will directly support families with young children who are already under significant financial strain. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved for their generosity and compassion.”

Hollie-Jasmine, Fundraising and Partnerships Officer at YMCA Milton Keynes commented:

“We were amazed to get a massive pallet of food from Franklins Solicitors through their Fitter Life Pallets of Hope Campaign yesterday. This food will stock our young people’s kitchens this Christmas. Thank you so much for your generous donation.”

 

 

Franklins Solicitors would like to thank everyone who donated, fundraised or took part in the campaign, helping to make Christmas brighter for hundreds of local families – and supporting sustainable, community-led solutions to hardship.

To find out more about MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach and set up a donation, visit:

MK Food Reach: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MK-Food-Reach

Northants Food Reach: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/NH-Foodreach 

In a heart-warming achievement, Franklins Solicitors LLP, Hope Centre, and His Church Charity are thrilled to announce that the Pallets of Hope campaign has smashed its fundraising target. This means that each of Northampton Hope Centre’s 11 community larders and hom

eless centre will receive a pallet of Christmas essentials, including food and warm clothes. Together, the pallets have a combined retail value of £27,500! This means that many struggling families and people facing homelessness in Northamptonshire will experience a brighter Christmas.

Andrea Smith, Partner at Franklins Solicitors, played an instrumental role in contributing to the  success of the campaign. She not only ran the New York Marathon but also completed the Amazing Northampton Run half marathon in support of the cause. Speaking about the campaign’s success, Andrea expressed her gratitude, saying:

“The work of both His Church and the Northampton Hope Centre are invaluable to making a tangible difference to communities. As the use of larders continues to increase, the importance of ensuring they are stocked to meet the demand cannot be underestimated. Food is a basic need and it is a privilege for Franklins Solicitors to be able to support and make a difference. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported my runs and the Pallets of Hope campaign.”

Kyra Williams, Marketing Manager for Hope Centre, highlighted the urgency of the campaign, stating:

“We are seeing a huge rise in hardship across the district, debts and rising living costs mean that Christmas will be a struggle to make ends meet, instead of being the celebration it should be. This campaign will bring relief to so many with gifts, food, and warm clothing. The campaign has been a huge success; we can’t thank Franklins Solicitors, Northants Food Reach, and His Church enough for making this happen.”

While this campaign has made a significant impact during the Christmas period, the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect people all year round. This led to the establishment of Northants Food Reach, a collaboration between His Church and Franklins to encourage the business community to provide ongoing support to food banks and larders in Northamptonshire.

Operations Director Richard Humphrey said: ‘His Church provides creative solutions for a whole range of surplus food, clothes and supplies including toys. Thanks to our partnership with Franklins Solicitors, we have been able to redistribute 11 pallets of these wonderful items to support Hope Centre’s Community Larders and homeless centre.”

To find out more about how your business can support food banks beyond the festive season, visit the Northants Food Reach page here.