'I wanted to give something back' - Chelsea Ferguson's pledge to help Hartlepool's hungry in run-up to Christmas

A self-made businesswoman has urged the people of Hartlepool to spare whatever they can in support of the town’s needy and hungry this Christmas.
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Chelsea Ferguson was inspired to donate to St Aidan’s Church foodbank after a post on Facebook drove home the heartbreaking reality that so many go without basic foods and toiletries each day.

The 30-year-old, who runs an adult website and has thousands of followers on social media, pledged to use her platform for good and hopes to inspire others to make their own donations.

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This week, Chelsea gave more than £2,360 in cash to the church for its foodbank and also donated a trolley full of goods to go towards parcels.

Councillor Dave Hunter, left and Graeme Pattinson, right, with Chelsea Ferguson as she makes her donation.Councillor Dave Hunter, left and Graeme Pattinson, right, with Chelsea Ferguson as she makes her donation.
Councillor Dave Hunter, left and Graeme Pattinson, right, with Chelsea Ferguson as she makes her donation.

She sold bonus balls to raise money for donations and then matched what was made out of her own pocket to double the total.

She told the Mail: “I wanted to give something back to the people of Hartlepool.

“I am somebody who makes good money, I can’t stand back and watch this happen in my own hometown.”

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Admitting that she herself was previously “ignorant” to the plight of those using foodbanks, Chelsea revealed hopes to carry out more fundraising throughout the town in future.

Chelsea Ferguson has urged others to donate to the foodbank too.Chelsea Ferguson has urged others to donate to the foodbank too.
Chelsea Ferguson has urged others to donate to the foodbank too.

In the run-up to Christmas, Chelsea has also stocked up on gifts for the Giving Tree in the town’s Middleton Grange shopping centre, which encourages customers to donate presents for local children.

And she has a further message for those who have not yet thought of making a donation to St Aidan’s, but might have something to spare.

“Just drive past the foodbank and see the amount of people queuing for basic necessities,” Chelsea added.

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“If you have got spare money in the bank, how can you sit there and watch that happen in your hometown?

“Put your hand in your pocket and make a difference, anything you can spare.”

Mother Gemma Sampson, priest at St Aidan’s, thanked the public for its support throughout the festive build-up.

She added: “Everyone comes out with donations in December, which is amazing. We have had so many offers of help this month.”

The service costs £1,000 to run each month.