Charity feature: When art and empathy collide... we can do anything.

This year, we’re backing Humans MCR. This exceptional charity tackles food poverty to give respect, health, dignity, and hope to communities across Greater Manchester. 
As we're about to kick into the winter months, families are experiencing increasing pressure to provide even the basics. With recent news of energy price spikes, we know that this years is going to be tougher than most. Humans MCR really need your support to keep this charity running to its potential and helping those that need it most.
Here’s some of the brilliant ways that the team carry out their mission:
Food Banks: This service offers a lifeline to people facing food insecurity, by providing everyday essentials within a stigma-free, welcoming environment. As well as this, our delivery service ensures no one goes hungry.
Community Grocers Service: Offers a wide range of fresh, nutritious food and ingredients to meet unique needs. By offering choice, people feel empowered, valued and respected.
Meet the founder: Lewey Hellewell
Why is now an especially important time for your charity to receive support?
"We are living in a moment where many families, some of whom have never needed help before, are struggling to make ends meet. The cost of living crisis is placing a huge strain on our resources, and this year is shaping up to be the toughest yet. We are familiar with operating on the edge at Humans MCR but to be so close to possible closure this year has been really difficult. That’s why I’m urging people to get involved with If Words Could Kill - because now, more than ever, your support will have an immediate and lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most."
How will the funds raised from this poster shop event help further your mission and impact?

"The funds raised will help us continue to provide crucial support to those facing food insecurity and hardship in communities across Greater Manchester. This event is more than just a showcase of artistic talent - it’s a way to sustain the essential services that Humans MCR provides. Every piece sold allows us to feed individuals and families, deliver essential goods, and offer support to those who need it most. It’s these kinds of initiatives that allow us to respond to the growing demand for help, especially during such difficult times. These funds will enable us to feed more families, and offer dignity to people in need. It’s not just about art - it’s about making sure that every person in our community has access to the basic necessities that they deserve.

This year has been incredibly tough for so many, and last week it really hit home just how much of a challenge the coming months will be. With rising living costs and more families turning to us for help, the need for support is greater than ever. That’s why the timing of If Words Could Kill is so important - this project gives people a way to help at a time when it’s desperately needed. We’re facing unprecedented demand on the edge of Winter, and these funds will make a real difference."

What are your thoughts on Creative Spark's twist on fundraising, using creative talent to inspire action? 

"At Humans MCR, we’ve always believed that creativity can inspire more than just imagination - it can also drive change. That’s why we’re so excited about our partnership with Creative Spark and the ‘Little Print Shop of Horrors’ project. This initiative brings together incredible illustrators who are using their talents not only to create works of art, but to raise vital funds that will directly support our mission. It’s a brilliant idea that shows how the power of art can have a lasting and tangible impact on people’s lives.

What I love about The Little Print Shop of Horrors is how they’ve reimagined fundraising through creativity. By collaborating with artists for ‘If Words Could Kill’, they’re transforming illustrations into works of change - where every poster sold means more support for individuals and families who are struggling right now. It’s an innovative and unique way to make a real difference." 

Thanks for reading, and we do hope you can show support by purchasing a Little Print Shop of Horrors poster, or alternatively you can make donations direct at https://humansmcr.org/ or why not consider putting Humans MCR forward as a chosen charity for any future fundraising. This winter is going to be tough, and every little will really help to make a difference.  

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