Bournemouth Foodbank is helping local families in crisis to celebrate Christmas together.
This Christmas, we aim to deliver as many as 200 hampers to families in Bournemouth who otherwise might not be able to celebrate and eat together.
Working in partnership with a long list of partner agencies, we hope to bring everything each family needs for three days, right to the front door.
The hampers will include fresh and frozen food, Christmas goodies and a message of hope for the New Year from the Bible.
On Thursday 20 December a fleet of approximately 60 volunteer drivers will take over 6 tonnes of food to feed as many as 1,000 people in need. This is made possible thanks to an incredible amount of support from dozens of local churches, businesses, statutory agencies and community groups. Each are contributing towards the project by nominating families, donating food, recruiting volunteers or giving financially.
Many groups are going out of their way to support the project. For example, Nationwide Building Society are making their facilities available for the storage and packing of the hampers, Foresters Financial are providing £2,000 to buy the fresh and frozen food and Bournemouth University’s Student Union are decorating the hampers.
AFC Bournemouth and England striker Callum Wilson, who only last month scored a goal in his first appearance playing for his country, had the following to say:
“When I was growing up, I remember my family using foodbanks and receiving food parcels around Christmas time. As a young kid, you don’t fully understand what’s going on but, looking back, they were crucial to our family to ensure everyone was fed and so that we could celebrate Christmas properly.
Bournemouth Foodbank is a fantastic organisation. I was privileged to see their work earlier this year and they play such an important role in the local community. Without them, there would be a lot of people who would go without, so I would encourage everyone to donate generously to them.”
“This is a huge team effort and I’m so grateful to all our supporters,” says Ed Briggs, the Hamper Co-ordinator. “I believe that by working together, Bournemouth as a community can break the cycle of poverty that keeps families apart and isolates individuals. Let’s be a society that draws people in, rather than pushes them out.”
How you can help
Feedback from last year
I work in a hostel for homeless families and last year all the families were shocked by how much food they recieved, it defiantly made a difference. Many thanks.
– Bex Lovett, Bournemouth Borough Council (Housing)
I know the clients who received one last year were overwhelmed by the generosity.
– Dawn Williams, Financial Projects Coordinator, Faithworks CMA
There are lots of ways you can be involved – some of these are listed above, but if you have any other ideas, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our contact page.
