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Comic Relief launches "emergency" Christmas appeal

A spokesperson said: "We’re excited to announce the launch of our On The Breadline cost of living Christmas appeal with The Independent and Evening Standard newspapers.

"Millions of people across the UK are facing difficult decisions and struggles this winter as skyrocketing bills and soaring food prices push families into crisis. With 1 in 3 children in the UK living in poverty and many families having to go without basic necessities, they're living in fear of what this Christmas could hold."

They went on to say: As the grip of the cost of living crisis tightens, families feel trapped and have  nowhere to turn. Wherever you live in the UK, people local to you aren't just avoiding using the cooker, they’re removing lightbulbs and turning off the fridge. They’re going to bed early to jeep warm and reduce bills. Parents are struggling with the stress of holding everything together and missing meals to protect their kids from how tough things are. 

But together we can change this,  we can make a difference and help ease the pressure felt by so many. Today we are pledging £1million to launch the appeal and help get support to those who need it.

Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, said: “This winter is going to be frighteningly tough for people all over the country as the cost of living crisis pushes millions to breaking point. They face going hungry and are  without basic necessities, pressure is mounting from all angles. 

"As this national emergency intensifies, people need our help now. We are hugely grateful for this opportunity with the Evening Standard and Independent newspapers to launch a cost of living appeal and raise urgent funds this winter. From supporting foodbanks to providing warm clothing and energy top up cards, this campaign will deliver a lifeline and ease the pressure for people facing the toughest times of their lives.”

The money raised will support organisations working hard to get help to people who need it most. From warm clothes, electric blankets and water bottles to energy top cards, food vouchers and supporting food banks, along with help, advice and mental health support, your donations will make a huge difference.  

Rachel Thomas, Community Development Delivery Officer at Manchester's The Bread and Butter Thing, said: “The brutal reality is it’s going to be a hard winter. We're going to do what we can with the funds and the people and food we have, to try and ease the burden as much as we can for as many people as possible.

“It’s improving people’s wellbeing. It’s not just physical wellbeing in terms of fruit and veg or the nutrition we provide, it's also about people's mental wellbeing. There is an incredible stress taken off shoulders when you know you can afford to feed your family.”

Shireen, mother of two, shopper and volunteer at a food hub run by The Bread and Butter Thing, said: “This has been a lifeline for us for the last couple of months. If I didn’t have The Bread and Butter Thing, I would have to either skip meals or be down to tins of soup or something along those lines, just to make sure the kids were fed.”

“It’s horrible. It’s awful. I can’t describe it. I do worry - I never used to worry about money. Ever. I never had a lot. But I never used to worry. And now I do nothing but think about whether I am going to be able to support my kids…”

The spokesperson finished by saying: "Your donation has never been more important. We know times are tough, but if you can give just a little bit, it will go to people in the UK who are really struggling right now to get through this crisis."

https://www.comicrelief.com.

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Crêpe Desserts for Pancake Day

Shrove Tuesday is a great excuse to get creative with pancakes and wow family and friends with these enticing, showstopper crêpe desserts.

Crêpes Suzette

A simple take on Crêpes Suzette using Bonne Maman Bitter Orange Marmalade, these crêpes are easy to make at home for a delicious after dinner dessert on Pancake Day. Delicate, lacy crêpes soaked in the citrussy French liqueur – Grand Marnier – our marmalade and the zest and juice of a lemon.

Lemon & Caramel Crêpe Cake

An impressive and delicious sharing cake -  layers of fine French crêpes spread with Bonne Maman Lemon Curd and a soft, creamy filling. For a decadent crêpe showstopper, add a caramelised topping and decorate with thin lemon shreds.

Almond Crêpes with Plums in a Thyme & Blackcurrant Syrup

These extravagant, fruity crêpes make a perfect light dessert to end a fun filled Pancake Day. Classic French crêpes with an almond twist, filled with a creamy filling with orange zest topped with warm and fresh Plums in a rich Blackcurrant syrup for a real fruity kick. Finish off with a dusting of icing sugar.

Incidentally, we feel that Almond Crêpes with Plums in a Thyme & Blackcurrant Syrup would make an ideal dessert for the Christmas and New Year period, so why wait until Shrove Tuesday?