McCain partners with Family Fund to help vulnerable families during COVID

Chip maestros McCain and leading childhood disability charity Family Fund, today announced a £1 million pledge over three years which will support Family Fund’s goal to provide 150,000 grants and services per year to families raising disabled or seriously ill children. The grants will enable families to buy essential items, giving them more time together when they need it most during COVID-19.

Family Fund CEO Cheryl Ward

"It is a sad fact that of the 1 million families raising disabled or seriously ill children in the UK today, a third are living in poverty," said Family Fund CEO Cheryl Ward. "But Family Fund is a consistent force for good in tens of thousands of these families’ lives, bolstering them, championing them, and responding to their needs as best we possibly can."

The partnership comes as Family Fund reveal there has been a 37 per cent rise in families raising disabled or seriously ill children seeking support during COVID-19, 73 per cent of the families the charity works with have not had a day out in the last six months, while two in five families, or 41 per cent, have not played together away from home in the last six months. These issues are compounded by data showing that three in five of the families contacting Family Fund have seen their household costs increase as a result of the pandemic.

Howard Snape, McCain GB and Ireland Regional President

"As a family-owned business, supporting British families is a priority for us and we are determined to play our part to help address those most in need," said Howard Snape, McCain GB and Ireland Regional President.Family Fund is doing some incredible work and we want to make a difference to the families who are most vulnerable.”

Alongside providing a pledge, McCain is also using its platforms to drive greater awareness around Family Fund and give a voice to its work. This includes a nationwide Family Fund limited edition pack of McCain Home Chips, designed by art competition winner Charlie Conway, who is 10 and has autism and a brain injury. He lives in Bradford with his parents who have been supported by Family Fund over the years.

Charlie Conway and his winning entry