SIR, — On behalf of the Fountain Foodbank in Downpatrick, I wish to convey our thanks to the shoppers in the Asda store for their amazing
generosity during our recent collections.
I estimate that over 70 storage crates of food were donated along with over £300 in financial donations.
It was humbling, but a great encouragement for our volunteers to see the community support others in this way.
I want to express our sincere thanks to Asda store manager Roger Croskery and community champion Linda Owens for allowing the Foodbank the opportunity to have this type of collection in the store as part of the Fight Hunger Campaign.
The staff were very welcoming and supportive and this opportunity means that stocks of food to help the local community are high at present.
The Downpatrick Asda store provides ongoing support for the foodbank via the permanent donation point and the so-called foodcloud scheme with FareShare and this is also much appreciated.
I would also like to thank the wider community for the support given to the foodbank since it opened in March 2015.
The foodbank recently gave out its 3000th parcel and this work would not have been possible without the generosity shown by the local community and we are very grateful.
We are also grateful to our partner organisations, including the County Down Rural Community Network, Down SureStart, Newry, Mourne and Down Community Advice, Homestart, Mid-Down Christians Against Poverty, Simon Community, SVP, Women’s Aid, Mulholland After Care Services and various social services departments for the support they have shown to Fountain Foodbank. Without these partners, who with a voucher system ensure the parcels go to those in most need, and the wider great work they do, many people in this area would be in even more difficult circumstances.
As the foodbank’s volunteer co-ordinator, I would like to thank the marvellous group of volunteers who make sure the foodbank runs smoothly, dealing sensitively with clients and undertaking practical tasks of sorting and packing food efficiently and with dedication.
They continue to do a great job and I am very pleased to be able to work alongside them.
Thank you also to the local press for the support and publicity that we have received.
I hope the situations of many families improve, making it unnecessary for so many to continue to need the services of a foodbank.
Yours etc,
SHIRLEY LENNON,
Fountain Foodbank Volunteer Co-ordinator.