The Jarrow March project will be launching on the 6th of October 2022, encouraging people in the northeast to walk, run, cycle or any other method they may choose in replication of the original Jarrow march, to raise funds for local foodbanks.
The Jarrow March project will raise funds for local foodbanks while making a statement to the government about the ongoing cost of living crisis. Commencing on the 6th of October 2022 and finishing on the 31st of October, participants will commit to attempting to cover a distance of 300 miles – the same as the original marchers – to fundraise for foodbanks in the northeast.
The last day of the project will culminate at Jarrow Town Hall where we will invite anyone who has taken part, or indeed anyone at all, to walk the first mile that the original Jarrow Marchers walked as our last mile.
We understand that 300 miles may be daunting or unrealistic for some so while 300 miles is the target even 1 mile makes a difference.
The Jarrow March of 1936 happened due to extreme unemployment in Jarrow, many families found themselves unable to sustain themselves, a situation all too familiar for working class families today.
200 men marched 300 miles from Jarrow to the gates of parliament demanding for jobs to be brought back to the region.
We therefore want to bring the spirit of the Jarrow March into 2022 and give some power back to the people who need it most, all while fundraising for foodbanks who can provide support to those who find themselves struggling.
Jarrow MP Kate Osborne is supporting the Jarrow March Project and has committed to participating.
Kate Osborne MP said “I think the Jarrow March Project is a brilliant initiative by James. Our area has a rich history, and this project shines a light on the part of our history that Jarrow is perhaps most known for, the Jarrow March.”
“Unfortunately, the plight of the Jarrow Marchers is similar to the struggles we face today.”
“With the cost-of-living crisis ravaging our communities, we are seeing more and more people being forced to use foodbanks to feed themselves or their families, many of whom are working people.
“Millions forced into poverty by successive Conservative Prime Ministers who are more concerned about giving tax cuts to the rich than feeding the poor”
“It is a shocking indictment of this Tory government that we have more foodbanks than we do branches of McDonalds.”
“The Government are repeatedly failing our communities, much like they did in 1936 when the original Marchers set off from Jarrow carrying their 12,000 strong petition. Across the country today, we are seeing an increase in industrial action, with thousands of workers standing up and saying enough is enough.”
“The Jarrow March Project is aiming to raise money for local foodbanks, and throughout October I will be taking part by walking 300 miles to raise money for the foodbanks in the Jarrow constituency. If you’re able to participate please do, and all donations will be gratefully received.”
To sign up we are asking that interested parties email us at [email protected] with the subject ‘SIGN UP’ or message us via Facebook at ‘The Jarrow March Project’
If you would like to donate, you can do so via the GoFundMe Page – Fundraiser by James Lamb : The Jarrow March Project (gofundme.com)
Or set up your own fundraisers to feed into the project at the end.
We will also be using Twitter @JarrowMarch22 please do tweet your support.
