Hunts support those in need over the festive period

The hunting community has been assisting with local foodbank and gift collections over the festive period with the Grafton Hunt and Worcestershire Hunt both making large donations to good causes.

The Grafton Hunt contacted Towcester food bank in Northants to find out what items they were short of, or that were in particular demand, before asking their supporters to make contributions to their collection. At meets held during December, hunt supporters donated food items (or cash which was then used to purchase grocery items) to the hunt's collection which was delivered to the foodbank on 23rd December.

"As a hunt we believe it is important to give back to the local community and to help those who were facing a difficult Christmas," enthused Debbie Wilks from the Grafton Hunt. "We collected over 20 bags of items and look forward to collecting for the foodbank again in 2022."

Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance praised those involved: "The generosity and kindness of the hunting community knows no bounds with hunts all across the country, regularly supporting local, national and worldwide charities to help raise funds and support good causes like these all throughout the year."

In another act of kindness, members and supporters of the Worcestershire Hunt have continued to show their support for the Operation Christmas Child Appeal by donating a further 105 shoe boxes full of gifts this year which is more than double that collected by the hunt in 2020. With the collections coordinated again this year by Danielle Dickens, a member of the hunt's supporters club committee, the shoe boxes were packed full of gifts which were going to be distributed to vulnerable children around the world. The parcels contained a variety of useful items including school supplies, hygiene items, special gifts and fun toys.

Chloe Stiley, from the Worcestershire Hunt explained: "We had another incredible response to this appeal and, as a hunt, are so happy to be able to support this initiative which supports children who may never have received a gift before."