Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club is throwing its weight behind the effort to provide hot meals to homeless, sheltered and vulnerable people during the Covid-19 crisis.

The club has committed to support the Nottingham branch of Guru Nanak’s Mission by funding ingredients, as well as providing support to the considerable task of sourcing supplies in the challenging grocery climate.

Meals are prepared within three kitchens in Nottinghamshire, one of which is based in West Bridgford. Collection, delivery and distribution is then coordinated via a network of volunteers within the local area.

“Everyone connected with our club feels like we’re having it tough at the moment with the game we all love being delayed due to coronavirus,” said Nottinghamshire Head Coach Peter Moores.

“However, when you step back and look at the privileged position we are in, representing Notts in professional cricket, we are all very lucky people.

“There are others around us who are not so fortunate and who, at the present time more than ever, are in need of support.

“By raising awareness of Guru Nanak’s mission, we’re hoping we can increase the number of people accessing the support and encourage some donations to the cause as well.”

“By raising awareness of Guru Nanak’s mission, we’re hoping we can increase the number of people accessing the support and encourage some donations to the cause as well.”

Peter Moores

The initiative’s local co-ordinator, Jatinder Hanspal, is well known to the club having been its website service provider for the past 15 years.

Jatinder hopes Trent Bridge’s involvement leads to more people coming forward to access the aid on offer.

“We think there are more people out there that need our help,” he said.

“The Covid-19 situation has of course intensified the challenge, as well as creating additional hurdles when it comes to adopting practices that safeguard against infection spread and our ability to source relevant ingredients.

“However, thanks to the fantastic support of our network of volunteers, we do very well when it comes to meeting the demand.

“But it’s about more than simply helping those who have already approached us. Our mission is to provide a hot meal to every homeless, sheltered or vulnerable person in the local area.

“Hopefully, with Trent Bridge’s involvement – and with their players kindly stepping forward to raise awareness via their own social media too – we can move a step closer to achieving that ambition.”

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The first port of call for hot food support is the Nottingham City Council Golden Line phone number, 0115 915 5555.

Guru Nanak’s Mission in Nottingham can be contacted directly online via their Facebook page here…

Funding donations can be made to the mission here…