June Newsletter

Elisabeth has been volunteering at the Foodbank for 3 years. Her compassionate side lead her to connect with a Syrian refugee family. After meeting at Foodbank, the family wanted to express their gratitude by inviting Elisabeth and her family for dinner. Despite having to communicate via google translate, Elisabeth accepted and asked parents at her children’s school to donate clothes, toys and food. They arrived with a car full of gifts and enjoyed a lovely meal together. Elisabeth has spent many subsequent hours connecting her new Syrian friends with other support in the area.

Elisabeth says “It’s been a joy and a bit of adventure to build a friendship without language… as a community we should be doing all we can after what these refugees have been through.”

Mauren has been volunteering at the  Foodbank since February 2012 and has hardly missed a session in that time. Maureen runs the store room with meticulous care. She says “This is what I feel I am meant to do. It makes me feel alive and although it has its challenges it’s so rewarding.”

Her diligence to her role often sees her buy additional items including food bags to decanter washing powder, sugar, pasta, rice and coffee. Last Christmas Maureen knitted over 20 hats for clients to keep them warm during the winter.

Kath, a volunteer at our West Norwood branch, is often found doing a little extra for clients in particular need. She recently attended a medical assessment with an elderly client who had his ESA benefit application reviewed. In addition to his physical disabilities he was also very anxious and found noisy places confusing. With no agency available to accompany him, Kath sat through a very long and difficult assessment providing comfort and support. Kath is just one of our many volunteers going above and beyond for clients at Foodbank.

On Saturday, 5th May we had a very successful bank holiday supermarket collection. In just 6 hours customers at Sainsbury’s on Brixton Water Lane donated an impressive three cages worth of food.

We really appreciate our volunteers who gave up their time to help and give a special thanks to charity manager Jo from Sainsbury’s and our co-coordinator Rita for making the day run so smoothly.