ARC and Reuben Foundation support local communities with emergency provisions

Arena Racing Company (ARC), Britain’s largest racecourse and greyhound racing group, and the Reuben Foundation have introduced a new scheme to support the communities local to its six venues.

ARC will supply thousands of emergency supply boxes for distribution in the areas surrounding Newcastle, Chepstow, Fontwell, Wolverhampton, Great Yarmouth and Doncaster. The initiative is in association with Local Authorities to identify the essential needs of people who currently face real hardship throughout the ongoing Covid-19 crisis,

Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council, Pat Ritchie said: “This is a tremendous gesture by ARC and the Reuben Foundation that will make a real difference to the most vulnerable people in Newcastle. These are unprecedented times and it has been heartening to see how the business community has stepped forward to help us source and deliver much-needed food and provisions across the city.”

Each box will contain store cupboard and bathroom essentials, alongside meal cards, which are specifically designed to help support families and individuals at this difficult time. Distribution will remain the responsibility of each Local Authority, each of which has established emergency food and provision delivery procedures, with the aim of moving a total of 9,500 boxes over the coming weeks.

ARC Chief Executive, Martin Cruddace said: “We know that our venues are often at the heart of their local communities and how difficult the current health crisis and lockdown has been for many people. We hope that this scheme will help a large number of people at this difficult time.

“With the significant financial support of the Reuben Foundation, our team and suppliers have been able to put together these essentials boxes, which Councils will be able to distribute to those that need them.”

A spokesman for the Reuben Foundation added: “The Reuben Foundation is pleased to support local communities at this time of crisis. This continues our involvement in a number of charitable projects, where we have been providing support to families and individuals who are impacted by the pandemic and also in purchasing protective equipment and food for front-line NHS staff and others.”

For more information on each of the six local schemes, and details of where to get specific information about the availability of support from each Local Authority, please visit www.arenaracingcompany.co.uk