A local photographer has raised £4,000 for Hackney Foodbank. Neil Martinson, who auctioned works from his Rare Hackney series, said he did so because the foodbank was a service that “makes a difference every single day”.
“I’m delighted,” said Martinson. “This is a lot more than I thought possible and shows both the huge need and the enormous generosity of so many people. I hope it encourages those that can to support the Foodbank either with money or volunteering.”
Rare Hackney captures everyday life in the borough during the 1970s and 80s. Martinson said: “When I took these photos people wanted to leave Hackney. It was falling apart. But you know what? There was not one single foodbank.”
Pat Fitzsimons, CEO of Hackney Foodbank, said: “We’re delighted with this! We are facing really tough times – lower food donations, lower corporate donations, our costs rising because of inflation, and we’ve had to expand in light of the demand – so having Neil donate the proceeds from his photographic exhibition is truly wonderful.”
