MK Community Foundation shine a light on ‘invisible poverty’ in Milton Keynes

There are so many families and individuals in our local community finding it impossible to make ends meet – but you wouldn’t know it, because most struggles are happening behind closed doors.

Your son sits next to a child at school who had to go without breakfast that morning.

Your colleague will be using a food bank tonight, because he cannot afford to buy his own.

Your elderly neighbour is too ashamed to have family visit because she cannot afford to put her heating on.

If you knew, what would you do?

Poverty is now a reality for so many in Milton Keynes, but we don’t always see the people and the children affected. We don’t know them, or their story.

They live in our neighbourhood but often, they’re invisible to us.

Each year, MK Community Foundation run a Cost-of-Living Appeal to help local charities and community groups manage increasing expenses, ensuring they can continue providing essential services to vulnerable residents in Milton Keynes.

Claire Baldock, Marketing and Communications Director at MK Community Foundation said, “The support of local businesses can greatly impact the lives of those struggling to get by this winter. We encourage you to take action and help us make sure no one in our community is invisible. Everyone deserves to be seen, and it’s our mission to make that happen.”

As the cost of living rises, the operating costs for charities supporting the most affected members of our community also increase. The success of the Cost-of-Living Appeal depends on the generous support of local businesses.

How your business can help make a difference:

1. Become a Business Member – our Business Members and Fundholders provide long-term support to the communities in which they operate. By choosing to send your donations into our ‘Cost-Of-Living’ fund, you can support charities and community projects working to alleviate some of the financial pressures facing households across Milton Keynes – plus, there are many benefits for your business, too! 
   
   
2. Make a one-off donation – every little helps! Your donation will go a long way in supporting the work of the Community Foundation, helping us reach even more charities and community groups working tirelessly to support vulnerable local families and individuals.
   
   
3. Fundraise for us – whether it’s through a coffee morning, a festive jumper day or a sponsored walk, engaging your employees is a great way to support the community in which they live and work.

To contribute to MK Community Foundation’s Cost of Living Appeal, whether through a donation, partnership, or other form of support, please contact Philanthropy Director, Jake Geelan, at jake.geelan@mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk or by calling 01908 690276