Labour MP Andrew Lewin secures £1,000 TESCO donation for WH Women’s Refuge

• Andrew Lewin, Labour MP for Welwyn Hatfield, has successfully secured a £1,000 donation from TESCO to support WH Women’s Refuge, following a community visit where he met with the organisation’s manager Paula Kerrigan.
• During the visit, Paula raised concerns about the difficulty of consistently providing fresh, high-quality food to clients due to the irregularity of charitable donations. In response, Andrew Lewin approached TESCO, who generously pledged a £1,000 donation and their ongoing support.
• This contribution will allow the refuge to offer fresh meals as well as essential items such as toiletries, hygiene products, and other daily necessities to clients in need.

Andrew Lewin MP for Welwyn Hatfield said:

“After learning what a fantastic organisation WH Refuge is for members of our community in need, and Paula and I discussed how vital it was that they are able to provide fresh food.

I’m so pleased that the connection with TESCO has resulted in a sizeable donation and the ongoing support Paula and her team wanted to support their clients.

Fresh food is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the quality of life that clients at the refuge both need and deserve.”

Paula Kerrigan, Manager of WH Refuge, said:

“Being able to take the pressure away from our clients at such a traumatic and difficult time has had a huge impact. We can take the worry of providing fresh food for the family away and allow them to concentrate on recovery. Many will have fled with no access to finances, and again we can relieve the burden on our clients.

Food banks are amazing but to have access to fresh produce via Tesco’s generosity can not be underestimated. As a small independent charity, we rely on grants and donations and can not express enough appreciation for all those who recognise and support us.”

Claire De Silva, Tesco Head of Communities and Local Media, said:

“Supporting Welwyn Hatfield Women’s Refuge is just part of the work we do at Tesco in communities to support the delivery of essential local services. This donation will help provide access to healthy fresh food and we are delighted to help Paula and her team do this.”

If you would like to support the work of WH Refuge, please consider donating via 01707373743 or paula@whwr.org