Employees from Worcester-based Sanctuary Group will be making a difference to the lives of local families over the next year through support for Worcester Foodbank.
Staff from the leading UK social housing and care provider, which is based in Castle Street in the city, have chosen the foodbank as their Charity of the Year and will be hosting fundraising events and collections throughout 2018.
And to kick-start the fundraising, Sanctuary is giving £10,000 to the charity, from its community investment programme, which will have a direct positive impact on the Group’s local residents who use the service.
Sanctuary’s community investment programme is designed to make a difference to residents’ health and well-being and through community infrastructure.
Inspired by a visit from foodbank volunteers, who spoke about their work and how it benefits people across the city, staff will also volunteer at the foodbank over the course of the year.
Last year Worcester Foodbank, which opened in June 2012, provided more than 6,000 emergency food parcels to support city families for up to three days with over 60,000 meals.
Its running costs are £45,000 per year and it currently has a £15,000 shortfall of this.
Nicole Seymour, Group Director – Corporate Services for Sanctuary Group, said: “Worcester Foodbank provides a lifeline for many residents across the city so we’re delighted staff have selected the charity for a year of fundraising and volunteering.
“As well as our staff’s efforts, the Group’s financial support will mean the foodbank can continue to help residents who are facing a crisis.”
Grahame Lucas, Worcester Foodbank Manager, added: “We have a dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly to make a difference and Sanctuary’s generous investment will only add to their efforts.
“Nobody in Worcester should have to face going hungry and it is through services like ours that this need can be addressed.”
(The original news story was posted on Sanctuary Group website)