16th December 2024
Christchurch Foodbank Issue Urgent Food Appeal Following Theft from Food Store
Christchurch Foodbank+ have put out an urgent food appeal following a robbery from their food store. The incident happened over the weekend when Tracy Blick, Manager, discovered all the Christmas stock from The Store had been stolen.
The news came just days after the Foodbank had pre-cooked 100 Christmas dinners ready for delivery over the festive period. Tracy said:
“It’s a sad day when you find someone has broken into the Foodbank Store. I spent my Sunday tidying up the mess, securing and fixing the Store. I felt so disappointed.
However, we won’t let them steal our joy and the community has been amazing at supporting us so far.
It was so much more than Christmas food that was stolen, it is hope to those who would otherwise be struggling alone. Many of those who need the Foodbank are working in more than one job simply to try and keep up with the bills, many are young families.”
The Store had been ready to provide school holiday top up parcels for families on exceptionally low incomes, goodie hampers and Christmas Turkey meals which are delivered to those who would otherwise go without.
Within hours Tracy’s appeal for help online had spread with people rallying round to support the Foodbank. Local organisations such as Christchurch Chamber of Commerce, Christchurch and Highcliffe Rotary Clubs, Christchurch Round Table as well as businesses such as The Can Man and Knight Frank have all generously donated, along with Southbourne and Lymington Foodbanks offering food to help replenish stocks.
Helen, a Foodbank volunteer, said:
“We are an extremely tight-knit team here. So when something like this happens, it’s a huge shock. But we have been overwhelmed by the amount of support pouring in. We will make sure that Christmas still happens for those we support.”
Christchurch Foodbank+ is one of 8 projects supported by local charity Faithworks. The charity works alongside people in crisis, practically building hope and resilience, through projects around food, finance, homelessness and lone parenting.
In addition to emergency food, Christchurch Foodbank+ provide CMA debt advice, the Home Equip furniture project for those moving on from homelessness and escaping domestic violence, as well as their fortnightly community meal.
To support Christchurch Foodbank+ emergency appeal, donate via the link below or via their bank account:
Name: Christchurch Food Bank+
Bank: CAF Bank Account
Sort code: 40-52-40
Account no: 00034947
Food items can be donated at: Sainsburys, Waitrose, Santander, Nationwide, local libraries, and churches in Christchurch or directly to Christchurch Foodbank+ during open hours.
