Downpatrick Fountain Foodbank receives giveaway financial boost

Downpatrick Fountain Foodbank receives giveaway financial boost

14 May 2025

THE Fountain Foodbank in Downpatrick has secured a £1,000 boost from the Asda Foundation.

The cash handout is part of a £60,000 giveaway by the retail giant as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations to celebrate ‘diamond’ community groups and charities across the UK.

Asda community and customer champions were invited to nominate deserving groups to each receive one-off £1,000 grants to support their work and activities, with the Foundation supporting the vital work of the Downpatrick charity.

The volunteer-led Christian charity, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, supports families and individuals facing challenging times across Downpatrick and the surrounding area.

Fountain Foodbank will use the funding to host a special event next month celebrating the incredible work and dedication of the 35-strong volunteer team.

Asda Downpatrick community and customer champion, Linda Owens, said the charity’s team is “over the moon” with the £1,000 grant from the Asda Foundation after being nominated by the Downpatrick store. 

“The work they do makes such a huge difference to people in the area, and their compassionate approach is inspiring,” she said.

“Any one of us could fall on hard times and the volunteers at Fountain Foodbank take that approach in all their work.”

Linda added: “Knowing how much effort they put into what they do, they are absolutely deserving of a special event to celebrate their achievements. That Asda’s 60th birthday coincides with the charity’s 10th anniversary is the icing on the cake.”

Fountain Foodbank volunteer coordinator, Shirley Lennon, said the charity is “hugely grateful” to the Asda Foundation for awarding the £1,000 grant.

She said the money will enable the foodbank to say a special thank you to all its volunteers who do such wonderful job for people in the area in need of a little extra support.

“Before I started with the foodbank, I knew very little about how easily people can find themselves in difficult situations,” she explained. “Circumstances can change very quickly when things like illness, redundancy or addiction take their toll. 

“I think there was once a stigma when it came to reaching out for help but it’s very clear to me, and all our volunteers, that asking for support when you need it is a very brave thing to do.”

Shirley added: “The Asda Foundation grant has come at a fantastic time for us as we mark 10 years since Fountain Foodbank started out, and gives us a chance to get together with partner organisations and charities who support our all-important referral system. 

“It will be a great opportunity to look back on what we’ve achieved so far and, crucially, to reinvigorate all our volunteers as we look to the future.”