Following the cost-of-living crisis and the emergence of foodbanks as the new emergency service[1], staff from Barratt East London recently spent time volunteering at Lewisham Foodbank. The team offered a helping hand with preparation for what is set to be a busy time ahead for the foodbank.
At the organisation’s warehouse on Malham Road, the Barratt East London volunteers were packing food parcels, date checking stock and organising incoming donations. The volunteering comes after the housebuilder donated £5,000 to the foodbank to support its effort in providing nutritionally balanced emergency food for vulnerable local people.
Sarah Vitty, Project Manager of Lewisham Foodbank, comments: “We’re very grateful for the support from Barratt East London, not only have they donated £5,000, but to have them come to the warehouse and take time out of their busy schedules means a great deal. One in five of the UK population now live below the poverty line, and with the cost of living only rising, our services are needed now more than ever. Last year we provided three-day emergency food supplies for 14,878 people in crisis, this year we’re expecting to reach over 15,000, so each volunteer and every pound donated will make such a big difference.”
Barratt East London is committed to helping local communities across the Capital and its staff regularly take part in volunteering opportunities local to its developments.
Pam Reardon, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt East London, said: “Through both our donation and the time spent volunteering, we hope to have helped the Lewisham foodbank with their crucial work supporting those most in need. While it’s a year-round issue, as we move into the Winter months and with energy costs rising, the choice between food or heating will be one faced by many households. Nobody should have to make that decision, which is why support for foodbanks is vital across the UK, and we hope our contribution goes some way to helping those most vulnerable in the area surrounding our Bermondsey Heights development.”
