Afternoon tea in Luton raises £10,000 to help support people struggling with the cost of living

Smiles all round as a cheque for £10,000 is presented to the organisers of the Keep Luton Warm campaign

The cash will go to the Keep Luton Warm winter campaign

An afternoon tea in Luton raised more than £10,000 to help support those who will struggle with the cost of living this winter.

The event at Venue Central was attended by Luton Mayor Cllr Sameera Saleem as well as MPs Rachel Hopkins and Sarah Owen.

It was part of a series of fundraising initiatives taking place in the lead up to the Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards next month.

The fundraising afternoon tea party at Venue Central was attended by local dignitaries as well as many sponsors from local businesses

Each year organisers Community Interest Luton nominate a worthy local cause and this year’s beneficiary is the Discover Islam Centre’s Keep Luton Warm winter campaign.

Last year a similar amount was raised for The Curry Kitchen for its vital work with Luton’s homeless.

Make a will and support Age Concern Luton

Other projects have included a purpose-built gym for Keech Hospice Care and a new delivery van for Luton Foodbank, as well as Children with Cancer and Level Trust.

CIL spokesperson Mostaque Koyes said: “The Awards are a wonderful way to showcase the achievements of people and organisations that make a difference and positively impact the lives of others.

"Since their inception 13 years ago, we have raised nearly £1-million for good causes.”

He added: “I would like to thank everyone who joined us for afternoon tea. The event would not have been possible without the kind support of our friends in the business community."

CIL and the Discover Islam Centre, together with partners Connect4Causes and Inspire FM, will be working on several initiatives to help those in need as part of the Keep Luton Warm campaign.

Sponsors include Caddington Motors, Venue Central, Tesco and Meah’s.

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