A 15-YEAR-OLD from Newport has organised an online pub quiz which has already raised more than £400 for the Raven House Trust.

Poppy Stowell-Evans decided she wanted to raise money for the charity after hearing they were struggling to put together food parcels for the city’s most in need.

In April, the Trust reported demand for its services had increased ten-fold, and they were preparing 200 food parcels each week for different social care agencies around the city.

The increase in demand was so drastic the food bank had to close down for one week because there was simply no food on the shelves in its storage rooms.

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“I was getting frustrated that people were struggling because of coronavirus and the lockdown,” said Miss Stowell-Evans. “I wanted to do something to help, as I realised I was in a very fortunate position living in a house with access to food.

“I was sat with my mum and she mentioned how the Raven House Trust were struggling with food parcels.

“We decided that a pub quiz would be the best way to raise money for them as you can have a bit of fun and get the community involved, and still raise money for an amazing cause.

“It’s a good way to bring people together during the lockdown. That is why we are doing it on Zoom, you can still be around people and interact, which is important for people to feel well in themselves.”

South Wales Argus:

(Byron Hayward lending a helping hand at the Raven House Trust food bank. Picture: Raven House Trust)

So far, about 40 people have signed up for the quiz, which will be hosted by ITV Wales' Adrian Masters, and more than £415 has been raised.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by people’s kindness and generosity,” said Miss Stowell-Evans.

Raven House Trust catered for 10,000 people last year, up from 6,000 in 2018, and the coronavirus has only put more pressure on the service, as vulnerable people who rely on food bank referrals have no option but to stay at home for their own safety.

“I’ve been working with Noreen and Julia from the Raven House Trust,” said Miss Stowell-Evans.

“They are the most hard-working people I’ve ever met. They are there organising food parcels and deliveries to make sure everyone who doesn’t have access to food can be fed.”

South Wales Argus:

(Jessica Morden MP helping at the Raven House Trust food bank. Picture: Raven House Trust)

The quiz takes place on Zoom tonight (Thursday) between 7pm and 8pm.

To take part in the quiz, you donate to the GoFundMe page - gofundme.com/f/thq233-virtual-pub-quiz – and you will be sent an email with the Zoom meeting ID and password.

“I’m hoping it will be really fun, said Miss Stowell-Evans. “There are four rounds, we haven’t revealed what they are yet, but I’ve written the questions to appeal to people of all ages – and there’s some fun ones in there too.”

There is a £20 voucher for the Red Fort in Caerleon for the winner, and another for the best background.