Rowen to donate pay to Farepak Response Fund

Date published: 07/11/2006

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen is joining a group of MP's campaigning to help the victims of the collapse of the Farepak hamper firm.  The firm collapsed last month without offering compensation. Losses are estimated at around £40m.  Mr Rowen is donating a day’s pay from his MP’s salary to the Farepak Response Fund.

Mr Rowen said: "This was a personal disaster for many people, not just in Rochdale but in Greater Manchester and the country as a whole.  I have been contacted by a number of distraught residents in this Borough.  Many of these are families who are in desperate need now and I am happy to do a small bit alongside a number of MP’s from across the country.  Christmas is a period where those short of money are affected more than most, the disaster at Farepak has effectively ruined Christmas for many residents and I hope as many people as possible contribute to the Farepak Response Fund."

Mr Rowen also praised supermarkets who have donated to the Farepak Fund or given substantial discounts to those affected.  He said: "Supermarkets often get a bad name for putting the pound before people.  I’m glad to see that this disaster that has affected so many has seen them do the opposite."

Paul attended a packed House of Common’s Debate on the matter and has signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) 2823 – giving his support to the victims and also calling on the Department for Trade and Industry to investigate. 

Minister for Consumer Affairs, Ian McCartney, said the collapse was a 'national emergency' and welcomed the setting up of the Farepak Response Fund.

He asked MPs to give a day's pay towards the fund and said he was in negotiations with the London Stock Exchange about a possible fundraising day there. Tesco had pledged £250,000 and called on other firms to help.

Sainsbury's have agreed that Farepak customers can get 25% of the value of their savings in Sainsbury's vouchers.

Mr McCartney announced the creation of the fund after a House of Commons debate on Farepak's collapse.  "If you are a multinational, national or local firm, it gives you the chance to make a donation, great or small,"

He said: "The Farepak fund would grant vouchers to affected families. It would be independent and could accept contributions from any organisation or sector wishing to help.

"The fund is about a spirit of Christmas. Let's get resources to people who need them," he said.