Meals on Wheels
APPEAL NOW CLOSED - THANK YOU FOR YOUR WONDERFUL SUPPORT
Thanks to the generosity of local residents, the families of those I am helping, my personal friends and political colleagues and some financial support from Aylesford Parish Council and others, I believe I have now raised sufficient funds to finance this work until the end of May, when the scheme will close.
By this time I will have delivered around 1,500 meals to around 65 different people. Some have had a meal every day, seven days a week. Others just once or twice a week to supplement their own larder, a few have called on me when they felt unwell or under pressure - others have asked for support as and when needed such as when their families were unable to top-up their groceries or when they could not get a delivery slot.
As well as the meals I have also been able to deliver a "treat" at least once a week, such as a chocolate brownie (thanks to Costa Coffee), an Easter Egg (thanks to Tracey Crouch MP), fresh farm eggs (thanks to a resident in Blue Bell Hill) and in the coming weeks a punnet of fresh strawberries (thanks to a local fruit grower who normally supplies them to Wimbledon). Local farmers and growers have also been in touch to donate 100s of butternut squash, potatoes and other fresh vegetables which have been passed on to the Chequers to support their chefs.
A big thank you also to David House and his team at The Chequers who made this possible. The food I deliver is produced by The Chequers and without them this would not have happened. They have provided a wonderful service to the local community.
It has been a huge honour to help and support so many people in my council ward and I feel this has been the most worthwhile thing I have done as a local councillor. It has also given me a positive focus during some very difficult times.
As well as financing the purchase of food for Eccles, Blue Bell Hill, Kits Coty and Walderslade, the appeal has also paid for:
1. A mailshot to 1,200 residents over 65 who I felt might benefit. I was conscious that many older/vunerable people do not have email or access to Facebook and might otherwise be unaware of the service
2. A donation to Aylesford Bulls Rugby Club who were producing food parcels to support families of children in receipt of free school meals.
If you have arrived at this page intending to donate, my colleagues at The Chequers Pub in Aylesford Village are providing over 100 free meals a day to residents mainly at the Royal British Legion Village and they are still in need of financial; support. Their Just Giving page can be reached at this link:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thechequersaylesfordfreemealsforover70s?fbclid=IwAR39tDNkfz5plKFvyqMPx-mptnVP2kfgaFQoVmIkifgXzGqtQ7hmTWtUd94
Once again, thank you for your kind words, encouragement and generosity.
With best wishes
Andrew Kennedy
[email redacted].uk
