GAMEKEEPERS and estates across the North York Moors have teamed up to provide more than 550 fresh local game meals for the homeless as part of a ‘Gift of Game’ initiative.

Since the beginning of December, the North Yorkshire Moors Moorland Organisation (NYMMO) has been working with several community causes to supply healthy ready-made game meals to those who would otherwise struggle to get a hot meal. One of the local charities benefitting from the initiative is The Columba Project, based in Middlesbrough.

The Gift of Game initiative is spearheaded by John Cavana, a supporter of NYMMO, who recognised an opportunity for North Yorkshire estates to do their bit and give back to the local community.

On the menu have been pheasant curries and game pies, all prepared by volunteers before being delivered and warmed ready to eat. Wild and Game, a non-profit making organisation aiming to introduce the public to game meat, also very kindly donated ready meals towards the project.

NYMMO has also raised £1,000 for The Columba Project. Maureen Westerman, who set up The Columba Project, said: “Our volunteers are absolutely fantastic and without them we wouldn’t be able to offer our service. We have also been so grateful for the game meals we have been receiving from NYMMO which has allowed us to provide delicious and nutritious meals to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

“This donation of £1,000 from NYMMO’s recent gun dog events was a complete surprise and we are overwhelmed at the kind-hearted generosity of those involved. The amount raised will cover the cost of hiring the church hall for a full year and allows us to continue offering this vital lifeline for those in need.”

John Cavana said: “I was blown away by the efforts of Maureen and all the volunteers at The Columba Project. Showing such community spirit, I knew we could help their cause further. The gun dog trials take place every year across our North Yorkshire estates, so it was a great opportunity to raise funds for this much needed cause.”

Throughout the year the ‘Gift of Game’ initiative will continue to provide hot meals. Estates within NYMMO will supply local venison during the season and tenant farmers on these estates will provide spring lamb.