In its 5th year Pelican Parcels launches a campaign to support growing demand on their service as families with children struggle to afford the basics: 1 in 3 children in Brighton & Hove live in poverty
Pelican Parcels, a local children’s charity dedicated to providing essential items to families with children, launches a citywide #BeAPelican campaign to address a surge in demand for their services in the face of the ongoing cost of living crisis.
To celebrate Pelican Parcel’s successful citywide #
Volunteers, schoolchildren, local businesses, creatives and supporters have been invited to Brighton’s promenade this Saturday, 20th July at 12pm, by the i360 to celebrate the end of an incredible 30-day campaign.
A flashmob style dance will captivate passers-by with a dance choreographed by Mumbop, a popular dance fitness class, raising awareness and further donations for the campaign.
Schoolchildren and artists will also be in attendance bringing their creations. Items made in support of the campaign include pelicans that have been coloured-in, crafted models, paintings and even a pelican made using recycled baby clothes.
Pelican Parcels has raised £21,514 which is 71% of their Crowdfunder goal amount so far. The campaign closes on 25th July. The Dance Party aims to raise a further surge of awareness and donations to reach the £30,000 goal to help 1000 more children and families.
The cost of living crisis has placed a significant strain on families, with many struggling about how to provide for their children. In 2023 alone, Pelican Parcels supported 5,774 children and families in the local community, marking a 136% increase in demand over the past three years. With one in three children in Brighton & Hove living in poverty, there is a real need for support.
“We want to ensure that more children have the essentials they need to give them the best start in life and to thrive. We hope we’re helping to lessen some of pressure of the ‘heat or eat’ tough decisions they’re facing, whilst supporting parents and carers with parcels made to feel like gifts,” says Shelley Bennett, Co-founder at Pelican Parcels.
The charity operates several projects to meet the diverse needs of families in the community, including providing essential parcels for children and pregnant mothers, school uniform parcels, gifts during Christmas and Eid, supporting food banks by distributing nappies, wipes and formula, and providing cots, beds and bedding to ensure children have a good night’s sleep.
Pelican Parcels is seeking support from the local community to continue its vital work. Donations will help cover the increasing costs of providing essential items, grow the charity’s volunteer programme, and enable Pelican Parcels to reach more families and children.
“We’re proud of our community and the heartfelt support we see for those across Brighton & Hove and Sussex, from the thousands of donations of preloved and new items, the volunteers who give their time or people who give their financial support. In five years we have given out 20,000 parcels but we need to do more and we need your help. We’re calling on our community and their friends, family and connections to help us with sharing our fundraising #BeAPelican campaign.” says Carla Pannett, Trustee at Pelican Parcels.
Individuals can donate directly to Pelican Parcels’ crowdfunding campaign or pledge to receive rewards while supporting the charity’s mission. Some rewards have been donated by local businesses including Bird and Blend Tea Co, Ridgeview Wine Estate and Gamely. There are also several fundraisers and events throughout the summer to support the #BeAPelican campaign in collaboration with local businesses.
For more information about Pelican Parcels and to support the campaign, visit:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/pelicanparcelscostofliving
