Candyfloss, community and a cause that matters

Imagine the sound of kids shrieking with laughter on a bouncy castle, the smell of sizzling burgers drifting through the air, and the sight of little hands clutching giant sticks of candyfloss. That’s the scene Milton Keynes families can look forward to this weekend – but behind the colour and chaos lies something much deeper.

Because this year’s free family fun day, organised by local food producer Cranswick Convenience Foods, isn’t just about games and fairground rides. It’s about raising over £10,000 for UnityMK, the city’s homelessness charity – and shining a light on an issue that’s affecting more people here than ever before.

In fact, the figures are startling: 1 in every 93 people in Milton Keynes is experiencing homelessness, a 43% rise in just twelve months.

“We couldn’t do this without our amazing people”

For Cranswick, hosting the fun day has become something of a tradition. Now in its fifth year, the event is their way of giving back – not just through fundraising, but by opening up conversations about food, careers and community.

Sam Pearl, Site Director at Cranswick MK, put it simply: “We are exceptionally proud of our long-standing partnership with UnityMK. For over four years we have partnered with them to address homelessness and poverty in Milton Keynes, contributing £84,000 in donations and providing volunteering support. We simply couldn’t do any of this without our amazing people at Cranswick Milton Keynes.”

And it’s not just about donations. Cranswick has offered 12 UnityMK guests permanent jobs through a referral scheme, and its staff have clocked up over 350 volunteer hours in the past year – everything from helping out in night shelters to mentoring.

A lifeline for those in crisis

For the team at UnityMK, events like this are a vital lifeline. Every weekday, around 40 people walk through their doors, seeking a hot meal, a drink, or just someone to listen. And increasingly, the challenges go beyond finding a roof over their heads.

“Over 80% of the people we support are living with mental health challenges,” explains Ria House, Fundraising Manager at UnityMK. “Our services are aimed at helping people take meaningful steps away from homelessness – but with rising numbers, the demand is greater than ever. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Cranswick team. Their dedication is a great example of how local businesses can drive real change.”

Fun with heart

Of course, a fun day wouldn’t be a fun day without… well, fun. Visitors can expect a line-up to keep little (and not-so-little) ones busy: fairground rides, games and stalls, arts and crafts, cakes and bakes, plus plenty of food and drink. Cranswick will even be running their own stall, giving locals the chance to learn more about food culture, career opportunities, and the role the food industry plays in bringing people together.

And thanks to support from Stonegrove Refrigeration, this year’s fun day is set to be the biggest and best yet.

Why it matters

Yes, it’s about candyfloss. Yes, it’s about community spirit. But more than that, it’s about hope – and making sure UnityMK can continue to provide that all-important support to those who need it most.

So if you’re free this Sunday, grab the kids, head down to Middleton Pavilion (Worrelle Avenue, Milton Keynes) between 11am and 3pm, and join in. Because this isn’t just a fun day – it’s a chance to change lives.