In the midst of lockdown 2.0 and with the festive season fast approaching, St Bartholomew in Wilmslow has received a donation from Bellway which will help many local families in the coming weeks.
The parish’s food bank, Food Friend, was established in 2011. Its running is assisted by seven volunteers, including Flo Knowles who manages it, with many others helping out during peak times.
Food Friend normally operates four days a week, providing essential food items to local families and individuals from a listed building on Cliff Road in the town centre.
Whilst the building itself is in a good state, it is old and regularly requires some form of improvement. Having just replaced the boiler, the parish is awaiting work to be done on its car park, which is currently closed due to subsidence.
The public support for the food bank has been amazing during the pandemic, but sadly the parish’s deficit is increasing, so Bellway’s donation of £150 will be used towards the ongoing running costs of the building, ensuring the food bank remains operational.
Flo Knowles comments: “I have been involved in Food Friend since 2014. As I am a qualified counsellor, I can offer a listening ear to the individuals and families that use the food bank, who invariably arrive weighed down by a host of problems.
“To date we have helped over 300 local families, a third of whom usually visit the food bank regularly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we assisted approximately 50 new families and with Christmas just over four weeks away, the demand for the food bank will undoubtedly increase.
“The community spirit in Wilmslow has been incredible and we regularly receive food donations, however, Bellway’s recent monetary donation is much needed and will be used to help cover the cost of running the building from where the food bank operates. We are very grateful to Bellway and would welcome further support from other local businesses who also may be able to help.”
Hollie Reynolds, Sales Director at Bellway, adds: “We have been on site at Heatherley Wood in Alderley Park for over 18 months and regularly support local initiatives in Alderley Edge and Wilmslow. For some, the pandemic has proved to be especially tough and with Christmas just weeks away, we wanted to offer financial help to St Bartholomew to benefit the local community.
“We are thrilled our donation will contribute towards the upkeep of the building from which the food bank operates, ensuring it remains open for local families who may be struggling during this difficult time.”
