York-based development company S Harrison is helping those facing hardship over the festive season by supporting three foodbanks with trolley loads of donations, ranging from toiletries and coffee through to Christmas treats including biscuits, cake and chocolate.
S Harrison invited York Foodbank, Leeds South and East Foodbank and Edinburgh Food Project to provide shopping lists detailing their requirements and products that will benefit their local communities at this time of year. The developer has an active presence in all three cities where the foodbanks operate.
The goods were purchased at Tesco and the supermarket giant’s York Clifton Moor store generously supplemented the three orders with further donations of food, treats and household essentials.
The three charities are all affiliated with The Trussell Trust, which supports a nationwide network of foodbanks to provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty, as well as campaigning for change in order to end the need for foodbanks in the UK. More than 5,100 emergency food parcels were provided for people every day from April until September this year on average, by foodbanks in the Trussell Trust network.
Ann Scott, Managing Director from S Harrison, said: “We like to work closely with local well-run charities that make a genuine difference to people in the areas where we operate. Members of our team have personally delivered the consignments to the food banks now, in order to meet the Christmas demand.
“We’re currently progressing developments in York, Leeds and Edinburgh, as well as completing a range of schemes in all three cities in recent years, so we were keen to renew our charitable support in these areas again this year. It’s no secret that lots of people are facing hardship right now for all types of reasons and if these donations can help to make life easier over the festive season, then they will be well worth it, and we hope it could also inspire others to support local foodbanks.”
Adam Raffell, from York Foodbank, said: “Foodbanks operate under difficult circumstances and rely heavily on help and donations from local people and businesses, as well as our army of volunteers, who are all firmly committed to tackling hunger in York. This is especially true during the festive season, when we always experience an increase in demand for our services.
“This year is likely to be very tough for far more people than normal due to the ongoing pandemic and soaring energy costs, which means some people are being forced to choose whether to turn the heating on or buy food. As a result, we’re extremely grateful to have S Harrison’s support and there’s no doubt it will make a big difference to those who rely on our help.”
