THIS week I’d like to introduce you to another community champion who is going above and beyond during this terrible pandemic.

Ezra McGowan runs a charity called The Forget Me Not Trust, providing food and essentials to the homeless all over the North West.

During Covid-19 Ezra has turned his attention to those who have been in isolation making sure they have food and prescriptions and are kept stocked up with essentials during their isolation.

He has been delivering tons in weight of food to food banks which helps to feed countless families across Trafford.

He also takes ‘Thank You Bundles’ to hospitals providing tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits and chocolates for our front line NHS staff to enjoy during their long shifts.

I wanted to know what drives Ezra to do this and this is what he had to say.

“What drives me is my faith, also I genuinely get a kick out of seeing people happy and surprised when you do something for them. My dad used to say if you can’t do someone a good turn then don’t do one at all”.

“My family set up The Forget Me Not Trust for the homeless and under privileged in our community to help out whenever we could”.

We asked how locals could support his charity and he said: "People can get involved simply by supporting us it’s a very simple charity we just give people food and provisions.

“Every charity at the moment, when you put on the TV or walk down the road, wants your money. We don’t. People are as generous as they can be but they can’t always do it. We ask for some food and any provisions you can spare. In the winter months we are really grateful for clothing, sleeping bags and blankets. It doesn’t have to cost you because if you are cleaning out your wardrobes, cupboards or garage and have anything to spare we would be pleased to accept them”.

“Sometimes we do get donations of money and that goes on the items mentioned above. It’s that simple. We have no offices, staff or administration fees. It goes straight out to the people who need it.

“We have had some donations from Sainsbury’s and Tesco’s and we sometimes put our own money in to make it up if we’re low. Since the pandemic we’ve given out over three tons of food, it really is going out as fast as it comes in.”

“I’m also a member of the local Freemasons in Urmston and this is just what we do for others. In fact I have recently, very gratefully, received a £5,000 donation from the Masonic Charitable Foundation which will be put to great use in the community.

Thank you Ezra for talking to me and also congratulations on receiving your Special Recognition Award from the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester this week!

To learn more about Ezra and The Forget Me Not Trust e-mail emcgowan@sky.com or visit www.theforgetmenottrust.org.uk