HELPING HEARTS CHARITY
Members of the Helping Hearts Charity offer meals to the needy people in Swindon.
LONDON
The Helping Hearts Charity, which was formed by a group of Goans, began a new initiative on March 22 to support Swindon’s homeless and vulnerable communities by providing hot meals.
This initiative, led by Ana Fernandes, Princia Fernandes and Meural Cardozo supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, marks the beginning of a monthly commitment to reach different areas of Swindon.
Through this initiative, the charity seeks to extend a helping hand to those who are struggling, particularly those who find themselves without a home or adequate resources.
THE INITIATIVE
The Helping Hearts Charity recognised the growing need to provide not only groceries but also hot, nutritious meals to those in need.
While grocery donations have always been a crucial part of the charity’s work, there was a noticeable gap when it came to addressing the immediate hunger needs of individuals, especially the homeless community.
The decision to introduce this hot meal initiative was driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, by providing warm meals that go beyond basic provisions.
“For many people on the streets, access to hot food can be a rarity, especially in colder months. This initiative was designed to offer not just sustenance, but dignity and compassion to those facing difficult circumstances,” said Meural Cardozo.
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
The Helping Hearts Charity has been engaged in outreach activities for several years, particularly focusing on providing groceries and essential items to low-income families, single parents, and those facing financial hardship.
Ana Fernandes, a key figure in the charity, has been actively involved in such efforts for many years. She has participated in the Swindon BIG SleepOut Challenge annually since 2019, which aims to raise funds and awareness for homelessness.
Her first-hand experience of spending a night outdoors was eye-opening and motivating, providing insight into the daily struggles faced by people living on the streets. This experience became a catalyst for the creation of initiatives such as the hot meal service.
MEALS SERVED
On the launch day, the Helping Hearts team served a total of 35 hot lunch boxes and 50 sandwiches. These meals were distributed directly to individuals experiencing homelessness across Swindon.
“The charity’s goal is to continue this initiative regularly, ensuring that hot meals are provided to as many individuals as possible in future outreach activities. The outreach is designed to rotate across different areas of the town, reaching various communities who are most in need,” said Princia Fernandes.
GOAN CONNECT
The Helping Hearts team is made up of several Goans who have played an instrumental role in the charity’s initiatives.
Among them are Ana Fernandes, Princia Fernandes, Meural Cardozo, Francisco Gonsalves, Selvyn Dias, Cynara Monterio, Blancy Fernandes, Juliet Gomes, Francisco Antao, Elizabeth Fernandes, and Breeda Pereira.
Their involvement not only strengthens the community bonds but also highlights the Goan community’s long-standing tradition of helping others, particularly in times of need.
Through this initiative, the team aims to engage the broader Goan community in Swindon and encourage them to contribute to charitable efforts.
The collective involvement of Goan volunteers adds a culturally significant aspect to the charity’s outreach, reflecting a community that values service, unity, and compassion.
FUNDING, SPONSORSHIP
The funds required to carry out this hot meal initiative come from a combination of donations and sponsorships.
The Helping Hearts Charity has reached out to individuals and organisations willing to sponsor meals, allowing the initiative to grow and become sustainable.
On March 22, the three main contributors, including Ana Fernandes, Princia Fernandes and Meural Cardozo helped sponsor the initial batch of meals. Moving forward, the charity is actively seeking additional sponsors to ensure that future meal distributions can continue and expand.
“We have a list of sponsors who have expressed interest in supporting this cause,” says Ana Fernandes.
“The generosity of the community plays a vital role in ensuring we can provide these meals consistently. We hope to see even more people stepping forward to contribute.”
The launch of the hot meal initiative by the Helping Hearts Charity represents a significant step in the ongoing efforts to support Swindon’s homeless and vulnerable populations.
By providing hot meals, the charity aims to address immediate hunger and offer a sense of community to those in need. Through the continued efforts of volunteers and the support of sponsors, the Helping Hearts team is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of Swindon’s homeless community.
The charity also remains focused on expanding its reach and continuing its mission to inspire more individuals to get involved, especially younger generations, to help tackle local issues and contribute to a better, more compassionate society.
