Companies and individuals in Leeds are being urged to make last-minute donations to the fund for families affected by the collapse of Farepak, the Christmas hamper and voucher scheme.

John Battle MP (Labour, Leeds West) made the plea for donations after it was announced that the deadline for donations would be extended to 6pm on 29 November. Currently the Farepak Response Fund stands at just above £5.5 million – far below the estimated £41 million lost in the company’s collapse.

Mr Battle said: “Many companies and individuals have already donated in large amounts to the fund – but Farepak victims will still only get back a fraction of the money they put into the scheme. I am asking companies and individuals in Leeds to consider making a last-minute donation, for the sake of those families whose Christmas plans have been devastated by Farepak.”

Mr Battle recently met with a group of Farepak customers who work at the Greggs Bakery in Bramley. He went on: “Having met with a few of those affected, I know that the people who invested in the voucher scheme were responsibly trying to save a bit each week for Christmas. They have been cruelly let down by the company’s collapse. I urge businesses and individuals to help them in whatever way they can at this time.”

HBOS, Farepak’s bankers, has donated £2 million to the fund with another £250,000 coming from Barclays bank and £50,000 from building society Nationwide. Individual donations now total £186,000. To donate, all letters and funds need to be with the fund – or in the bank – by the deadline. Those wishing to donate can call 0845 260 1096 (8am to 7pm) or log on to www.farepakresponsefund.org.uk. To make a large donation, phone 01904 550 038.

Investigations into the company by the Department of Trade and Industry are ongoing and Mr Battle is one of a number of MPs pushing for Government action to tighten up the rules on unregulated saving schemes like Farepak. “I want to see action taken against Farepak’s directors if they are shown to have acted irresponsibly, and I am pressing ministers to put legislation in place so that nothing like this happens again,” he said.

©John Battle MP 28 November 2006