Small businesses raise thousands to help shore up South Tyneside food banks during half term after free school meals disappointment

Shaun Nicholson, owner of the Exclusive Bathrooms fittings contractor based in the town, thanked small businesses for their “amazing” contributions towards the charity drive.

Some 22 businesses across South Tyneside and the surrounding area have chipped in towards Mr Nicholson’s fundraiser over the past few days.

Mr Nicholson, 32, says he published an update on his Facebook and Instagram accounts, drawing attention to the £200 he intended to donate to South Tyneside food banks, Hebburn Helps and Key to Life, as well as encouraging friends to contribute to the effort.

"It all took off from there [the social media post], really,” Mr Nicholson said.

"I have a few other friends with small businesses who got in touch saying, ‘We want to donate’.

"I thought, ‘We could definitely make more of this’. So I contacted a load of businesses in the area that I use – cafes, hairdressers, a tatooist – and asked them to donate as well.

"Before I knew it, we had loads of people wanting to get on board with the thing. So we had two grand practically by Saturday morning.”

RELATED: Food banks in South Tyneside brace for surge in demand over half term after free school meals hopes dashed

According to Hebburn Helps, the donation will help feed between 35 and 40 families for an entire week.

The motion to provide 1.4 million disadvantaged schoolchildren with £15-a-week food vouchers during school holidays until Easter was voted down by MPs earlier in October.

The issue had been highlighted in previous weeks through a high-profile campaign led by footballer Marcus Rashford.

Pressure is now mounting on Number 10 to reverse the decision, after the vote prompted a backlash in particular against Tory MPs in northern England constituencies.

Several newly-elected ‘Red Wall’ Tory MPs in the North East voted against extending free school meals provision last week, while the Tory for Durham North West abstained.

"Now I’ve got another big list of people who want to donate,” Mt Nicholson added.

"So I’m going to set up another GoFund page for anyone else who wants to help towards the cause.”

Hebburn Helps co-founder Angie Comerford thanked Mr Nicholson for his fundraising efforts.

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.