Reading businesses help feed over 4000 Reading children this summer
12th June 2024
Reading Business Improvement District (BID) is showing its support for local children in need, by organising donations for Reading’s Holidays and Activities (HAF) programme from Reading town centre’s business community.
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Working on behalf of Reading Borough Council, Brighter Futures for Children organises the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for the 4827 local children who are entitled to pupil premium free school meals. Through approved providers, the children have access to free activities and lunch during the summer holidays.
Many of Reading’s town centre office blocks have volunteered as donation points for food donations and other essentials, and Reading BID will be working with these businesses and their staff to collect donations which will then be distributed to the HAF programme for children eligible for pupil premium free school meals.
Alexa Volker, Reading BID Manager, said, “Reading BID is proud to be supporting Brighter Futures for Children’s HAF programme this summer. This is a fantastic way for Reading businesses and their staff to get involved with a really worthwhile cause and give back to the local community.
“Many children who attend the HAF programme complain of being hungry and this initiative will mean they’ll have additional food and other essentials in addition to the nutritious meals and activities provided. We’re asking Reading businesses and their staff to support the scheme by donating food and other essentials for the children to take home after their activities.”
Donations from Reading businesses will enhance the current HAF programme run by Brighter Futures for Children on behalf of Reading Borough Council, providing local children and their families with much-needed food and other essentials during the school holidays. Reading BID also works with partner organisations to run the Winter Warmer initiative in the colder months, collecting and distributing donations of warm clothing to support those in need within Reading.
Reading BID will be collecting donations from participating offices between Monday 17 June – Thursday 11 July.
