Cranswick MK's Family Fun Day Aims to Raise £10,000 for Local Homelessness Charity UnityMK

Strategic Insights -

The event, now in its fifth year, is a free family fun day organized by Cranswick Convenience Foods, a Milton Keynes food producer, with the goal of raising over £10,000 for local homelessness charity UnityMK. The event, taking place on Sunday 7 September from 11am-3pm at Middleton Pavilion on Worrelle Avenue, will feature a range of activities, including food, drinks, fairground rides, cakes, games, and stalls.

Key Takeaways:

  • The event aims to raise over £10,000 for UnityMK, a local homelessness charity.
  • Homelessness is a significant problem in Milton Keynes, with 1 in 93 people currently experiencing homelessness, a 43% increase on the previous year.
  • Cranswick has partnered with UnityMK for over four years, contributing £84,000 in donations and providing volunteering support.
  • The company has offered permanent jobs to 12 guests referred by UnityMK and completed over 350 hours of volunteering for the charity in 2024/5.
  • Over 80% of guests at UnityMK's services have mental health challenges, increasing from 65% last year.
  • Cranswick has provided routes to employment in the community via work experience and apprenticeships through partners such as the NHS and MK Assisted Employment.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 93 people in Milton Keynes are currently experiencing homelessness (43% increase on the previous year).
  • 42 people drop into Unity MK's crisis centre every weekday morning for food/drink and/or support from their welfare team.
  • Over 80% of guests at UnityMK's services have mental health challenges (increasing from 65% last year).
  • £84,000: The amount contributed by Cranswick in donations to UnityMK over 4 years.
  • 350 hours: The amount of volunteering completed by Cranswick employees for UnityMK in 2024/5.
  • 12: The number of permanent jobs offered by Cranswick to guests referred by UnityMK.

Sources:

  • UnityMK, "Services"
  • Cranswick MK, "Family Fun Day"
  • Shelter, "December 2024 report"
  • Cranswick MK, "Annual Report"