Night under canvas to help Wisbech homeless charities

A charity set up by family members to help feed homeless people and support families in need has seen volunteers take to the streets for a night under canvas.

Feed Fenland was set up in May 2022 by Kristi Dowker and her partner George Broughton with the support of their families, with the aim of offering a hot meal for anyone who needs one in the Wisbech area.

Since then it has grown and volunteers now serve an average of 120 meals, six nights a week, and is now run alongside Street Supplies a mutual aid group that provides tents, sleeping bags, and other essentials to rough sleepers and people experiencing other forms of homelessness.

On Saturday, February 8 volunteers pitched their tents and took to their sleeping bags whilst braving miserably, cold weather to raise money for both good causes.

Their efforts have so far raised £2,000 but more donations would be welcome via their Justgiving page.

Just £4 will pay for a hygiene bundle for Street Supplies to give to a rough sleeper. While £30 will buy a tent.

A gift of £80 will cover the cost of the ingredients for one night of food for Feed Fenland, which serves the meals in the car park at the Olive Academy in Coalwharf Road, having previously been based at the Queen Mary Centre.

Last year Feed Fenland served an incredible 37,707 meals – double the number of the year before, with an average of 120 meals a night.

Volunteers hold regular fundraising events to help pay for the food, including quiz nights, floristry and wreath making classes, a skydive and a Christmas ball.

The next quiz is on March 8 at 7pm at Walton Highway Village Club – contact Nigel Glover on 07813370568 to enter a team.

Saturday’s sleep out finished on Sunday morning with a quick litter pick of the immediate area.