Newham charities get funding boost from ExCel London

Newham All Star Sports Academy (NASSA) was awarded charity of the year in 2014 (Image: Newham All Star Sports Academy)

The Newham All Star Sports Academy (NASSA), which provides young people with sports and coaching opportunities, and Community Food Enterprise (CFE), an award-winning social enterprise food business will benefit from the extended partnership.

David Pegler, CEO, ExCeL London, said: “As part of our CSR programme, ExCeL London is committed to building long-term, meaningful relationships with local partners that deliver long-lasting benefits for the local community.

“We are delighted to be able to support both NASSA and CFE with the incredible work that they do and in addition to our financial contribution, we will also be working to provide access to our resources in terms of event space and expertise within the ExCeL team.”

Both charities expressed their delight at the news.

Community Food Enterprise offers training and employment opportunities for people based in Newham (Image: Community Food Enterprise)

NASSA founder and chief executive Natasha Hart MBE said the ExCel partnership had enabled the charity to operate basketball sessions for young people that included coaching about the dangers of knife crime and gang culture.

She said: “In the 12 months to August 2015, not one young person in Newham has lost his or her life as a result of knife-related violence – a drop from six in the previous 12 months. We are very proud of our association with ExCeL and look forward to their continued support in 2016.”

Eric Samuel MBE, CEO, Community Food Enterprise Limited, added: “Thanks to our partnership with ExCeL, we have been able to support numerous initiatives including food banks, homeless shelters and refugee centres, all with the specific aim of providing local people with nutritious and healthy food.”