Cornish charity asks tourists to 'donate price of a pasty' to help struggling families
Home-Start Kernow helps vulnerable children and their families
A Cornish charity is asking tourists to donate the price of a pasty to support struggling families.
Home-Start Kernow helps families struggling to cope with issues such as depression and anxiety, isolation and loneliness and in some cases, their own or their children's disability, and physical illness.
The charity offers free, confidential support, friendship and practical help through a network of specially trained volunteers.
Like many other organisations, Home-Start Kernow has seen a massive demand for its services during the global pandemic and is looking to raise money to help even more local children and families who are going through a difficult time.
On 1st February the charity launched its "Cascade of Kindness" campaign to mark its 20th anniversary year. This has seen local people stage a range of activities and events, from sleep outs in their gardens, and sponsored pancake flips, to garage sales, raising almost £6,000 so far.
Now Home-Start Kernow trustee Duncan Trotter has come up with a new campaign aimed at encouraging the millions of people who visit Cornwall on holiday each year to support the work of the charity.
Officially launched on the 12th April, the poster asks people if they are enjoying their holiday. Going on to point out that parts of Cornwall are among the most deprived in Europe, the poster tells people that for the price of a Cornish pasty - £4- they can help support vulnerable children and their families.
"People come to Cornwall to enjoy our beautiful beaches and countryside, our quirky shops and our fantastic cafes and restaurants" said Duncan. "While we certainly have all these things, we also have many families who are struggling to cope. We know that the impact of Covid-19 has led to increased unemployment, depression and anxiety amongst parents, making life even more difficult for many of these people".
Duncan Trotter, Home-Start Kernow
Duncan is hoping the hundreds of hotels, guest houses, B&B providers and camp sites across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will support the campaign by displaying the poster, as well as local shops, restaurants and tourist attractions.
"Last year more than two million people visited Cornwall between July and September and we expect that number to increase this year with the continued challenges of foreign travel" he said. "If just a fraction of these people support our campaign we could help many more local families".
"While we are targeting the campaign at the people who come to Cornwall on holiday, anyone can support our work by texting 'PASTY' to 70470. Texts cost £4 plus one standard rate message".