A community organisation that provides free hot meals and emergency food parcels to people in need is launching its first fundraising event to help secure its future.
Darwen Food Share has teamed up with local florist Sam Cook to host two pumpkin flower workshops this October, with all profits going towards supporting the charity's work in the town.
The organisation currently has enough money in reserve to keep operating for around six months, but volunteers are keen to ensure the service can continue supporting local people beyond that. If both workshops sell out, the funds raised could pay for around 250 free hot meals or help keep the charity running for an additional eight weeks.
The workshops will take place on 22 and 28 October at St Peter's Church in Darwen, the same venue where the charity operates each week.
Professional florist Sam Cook, who is well known across Blackburn and Darwen, will lead the sessions and provide all the flowers, while pumpkins have been kindly donated by Mrs Dowsons.
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Attendees will create their own autumn-themed pumpkin flower arrangement to take home while enjoying homemade cakes from a local baker and unlimited hot drinks.
Olivia McCaughran, from the food share, said fundraising events such as these are vital to the organisation's future.
She said: "We currently have enough funds in the bank to keep us open for another six months. We are hosting fundraising events like this to ensure that Darwen Food Share lives on."
Founded to support people facing hardship, Darwen Food Share provides around 30 free hot meals every Monday, with guests receiving both a main course and dessert.
The meals are prepared by local caterer Jamie Duckworth, who supplies them at a heavily discounted rate to support the charity's work.
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Alongside its weekly meal service, the organisation also provides emergency food parcels when needed.
Olivia said: "We are run solely by volunteers and every penny we raise goes directly to feeding the less fortunate people of Darwen."
She hopes local residents will get behind the events and learn more about the work taking place in their community.
"Unfortunately Darwen Food Share isn't backed by its community and we would love for local people to understand just how important our service is," she said.
While there are plenty of seasonal craft events taking place this autumn, organisers say theirs is unique because all proceeds are reinvested directly into helping local people.
Looking ahead, the charity is also planning to host a Christmas wreath-making workshop as another way of raising funds.
The pumpkin flower workshops take place from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on 22 and 28 October at St Peter's Church, Darwen.
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Tickets cost £40 per person, with organisers estimating that every ticket sold will help provide five free meals to people in need.
Spaces are limited and anyone wishing to attend is being asked to message the Darwen Food Share Facebook page to book.
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