Dr Mark Roman’s chosen charities for 2022/2023 are as follows:

1. York Foodbank

York Foodbank is a charity with a Christian ethos which started in 2012 as an initiative of churches in York in response to growing numbers of people living in poverty and needing support. York Foodbank now runs out of four food distribution points which open on different days across the city (Tang Hall, Huntington, Acomb and the City Centre). The aim is to meet the needs of those in our local community who are experiencing a crisis situation, to give people hope, practical help, and a brighter future through additional signposting services.

The vast majority of our food is generously donated by people in the local community (schools, businesses, churches and individuals) and volunteers of all backgrounds help to sort, pack, and distribute food parcels to individuals and families in need. Local people are feeding local people.

The families and individuals who come to us have been referred by care professionals. Social workers, Citizens’ Advice, health visitors, school liaison officers and others, work with us to help people in crisis so that they do not have to go hungry.

2. St John’s Ambulance

The charity that steps forward in the moments that matter, to save lives and keep communities safe.  Market leader in the provision of workplace training, first aid supplies and event and ambulance services

3. Ukraine DEC Humanitarian Appeal

In March 2022, the DEC launched an appeal to provide urgent aid to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, where over 7 million people are now internally displaced and more than 6 million have fled across the border to become refugees.

The response from the British public has been incredible, raising over £380 million so far, including £25 million of match funding from the UK Government.