Mayor backs North East poverty charities in Great North Run

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness will be taking part in the Great North Run this Sunday (September 8), raising funds for two charities fighting poverty in the region.

The Mayor will wear the race’s number one jersey and represent the North East on the national and international stage, as the region prepares to welcome elite athletes, thousands of runners, families and visitors.  

The Mayor’s fundraising will support Feeding Families and Smart Works.

Feeding Families is unique North East Charity who help those who may struggle to access food banks by making food available through their network of partners. Last year, they distributed over a million items of food and toiletries to over 46,000 households. Starting as an initiative to help families at Christmas, they have grown to be part of the solution to combat poverty across the region by filling the gaps that exist in provision. 

Smart Works Newcastle supports women into employment through the power of high quality interview clothing and coaching. A two-hour appointment at Smart Works Newcastle can give women the confidence, to fulfil their potential, get the job, and transform the trajectory of their lives. The service can be accessed by all women who are unemployed, aged 16+ and based in the North East. The centre is run by a close-knit staff team of 5 who are supported by over 40 dedicated volunteers and trustees.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “The Great North Run embodies what our great region is about – warm and welcoming, standing tall and proud on the global stage and bringing people together to support others. It’s my honour to represent this region, the area where I grew up and love, and I’m excited to be taking part in this iconic race: my first as North East Mayor and second overall.  

“I’ve made child poverty central to my time in office, and I’ll be playing my part to support two fantastic organisations who are helping families on the ground overcome hardship and create real opportunity for people in the North East.

“My training has been ramping up over recent weeks and I cannot wait to join the thousands of others running - to give something back to those who do so much for others.”

Juliet Sanders, CEO Feeding Families said: "We are very fortunate to have a passionate and committed Mayor in Kim, who not only talks but also acts to make a difference to our local area, in this case by putting her running shoes on! We agree with Kim that child poverty - or any poverty - should not be a thing in this area, and the Great North Run is an opportunity to keep the issue at the forefront of our minds while we work on solutions. We wish Kim every success with her run."

Helen Boyd, Smart Works Centre Manager, said:  “We are absolutely delighted that the Mayor has chosen to support Smart Works Newcastle alongside Feeding Families for this year’s Great North Run.  The impact of a job can be life changing for women, their families and the community so we are delighted the run with raise the profile of the charity and help us to support event more North East women into employment.”

The Mayor is aiming to raise £2,000, and donations can be made using the following link: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/kim-s-great-north-run-2024