The head of a business networking organisation for Mansfield and Ashfield showed the spirit of Christmas by donating his annual payment to good causes.

Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 chair Gary Jordan shared £1,250 equally to five beneficiaries.

They are:

Portland College New Start Hall campaign for a multi-use facility incorporating state of the art technology.

Let’s All Eat, a not-for-profit food bank at Ashfield Community Academy that sends out up to 140 food parcels to the needy each week, made up and delivered by volunteers.
The £250 donation will go towards volunteers’ petrol costs.

#makingITpossible, a local campaign that aims to bridge a huge digital divide in homes across Mansfield and Ashfield where children have no access to IT facilities needed to complete schoolwork at home.

Elizabeth Orridge Photography’s Christmas Hamper Campaign, which has provided families in need with daily essentials such as soap and toothpaste. Thanks to public donations and support from Mansfield and Ashfield 2020, Lizzie has prepared more than 130 hampers.

Mansfield District Council’s Sponsor a Bauble Appeal.

Gary said Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 usually asked everyone attending its Christmas breakfast meeting to buy raffle tickets and donate to Christmas lights funds.

However, this year because the meeting was held virtually Gary said his £250 donation to the campaign run by the council to help local foodbanks and soup kitchens was an ideal choice.

“I am proud to be involved with helping the council and many others during these challenging times,” he added.

“I decided to forego remuneration, feeling that it would be of greater benefit to distribute it equally to some of the fantastic and worthy causes around the area.

“Ensuring food is on the table for local people is one that we at Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 are proud to be involved with.”