Public support for a fundraising campaign to tackle the scourge of holiday hunger in Bristol has ensured that hundreds of children in Bristol will receive vital support throughout 2025.
The campaign, which raised more than £34,000, has enabled social enterprise Community of Purpose to continue delivering its Break Free programme, providing enriching experiences and essential meals to young people throughout the 13 weeks of school holidays this year.
This means that children from some of the city’s most disadvantaged communities will benefit from a structured programme of activities designed to improve wellbeing, confidence, and aspirations.
The campaign launched in October last year with the target of raising £25,000 to provide vital support for up to 1,000 kids through Break Free activity. The support from businesses is now being used fund a year-round programme of thr4oughout the school holiday period.
Amy Kington, CEO of Community of Purpose, said: “Alone, we’ve been able to support a few. Together, thanks to Bristolians’ support, we can support an entire community.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity that has turned this campaign into a movement of hope. The challenge of tackling holiday hunger in Bristol is real and affects a huge number of families across the city.”
“After delivering support over Christmas the work to continue this support is already underway.”
A strong start over Christmas
Over Christmas, around 140 young people took part in Break Free activities, including 106 children from families receiving free school meals. The Bristol Harbour Hotel treated the young people to a two course Christmas meal and every family received a food parcel supplied by campaign supporter, Arthur David.
The success of the campaign means that children in Bristol will continue to benefit from enriching opportunities, healthy meals, and a strong support network throughout the year.
A year-round programme of support
Community of Purpose intends to run Break Free across every school holiday, giving children access to hot meals, positive experiences, and a safe space. The programme will run from Monday to Friday and starts again during February half term week, from sites including Clifton College, Belmont Estate, Puxton Park, We The Curious and Lawrence Weston Community Farm.
Spring will see an Easter-themed programme, including a theatre trip, while the summer schedule will feature trips to Avon Water Park, Bristol Harbour, and the city centre.
“The success of the campaign means that children in Bristol will continue to benefit from enriching opportunities, healthy meals, and a strong support network throughout the year,” added Amy.”
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported this campaign – businesses, individual supporters and the 20 volunteers who help our events run successful – for showing that when we come together we can make a huge difference.”
The campaign received more than 70 donations ranging from £5 to £6,000 from businesses and individuals based across Bristol. Business supporters included 55 Financial, Arthur David, Burges Salmon, Elmtree, First Class Comms, Flourish, GKN, Inside Travel, Jeffway, Lancer Scott, Mark Richard Insurance, Nebula, and Unitary Engineering Services.