Bell Farm Christian Centre has celebrated the easing of restrictions with an afternoon tea party for the elderly community, all with a little help from staff at Tesco’s Yiewsley Superstore.
Following a tough 18 months for the elderly community in West Drayton, with many people having to isolate, the tea party provided a glimpse of normality and a chance to socialise again for the residents. They were treated to an afternoon tea, along with a raffle and a performance from an Elvis impersonator to help bring a smile to their faces.
Bell Farm Christian Centre is a Christian Church based in the middle of the Bell Farm Estate in West Drayton, Middlesex. Ran by Donna Sira, the centre has provided support to those forced to isolate, with door-to-door visits and gift deliveries offered to the elderly community throughout the pandemic. Headed up by Community Champion Tammy McNulty, Tesco’s Yiewlsey Superstore partnered with the charity to offer its support with food donations throughout the pandemic.
Tammy McNulty, said: “After what’s been a really tough year, it’s good to finally have the opportunity to properly socialise again. For the elderly community in West Drayton, it’s been an extremely difficult time, with many having to self-isolate, giving little opportunity for social interaction.
“We’ve been privileged to be able to provide the food to support Bell Farm’s drop-offs to residents throughout the pandemic. Together, we’ve sent everything from chocolates on Valentines Day, through to tea and biscuits, all of which have helped raise a smile and given people a sense of normality in through these trying times.
“We hope we can join with other groups and schools to take part in similar events this year, and we have many in-store events planned to raise vital funds for this amazing charity.”
The Yiewsley Tesco Superstore is currently taking part in the Buy One to Help a Child scheme, which aims to provide meals for children via Tesco’s charity partner FareShare.
The initiative will see Tesco make a donation to FareShare for every piece of fresh fruit and vegetables bought in store until Sunday 8 August.
Tammy added: “I know from my work with local food banks that demand has been higher than ever before over the course of the pandemic, so the Buy One to Help a Child scheme is really important.
“Every child – and every adult – needs a good healthy meal, and we hope our customers will take the opportunity to try some new fruit and vegetables at the same time as supporting the campaign.”
As part of her community work, Tammy called on local people to nominate schools, charities and voluntary groups in and around West Drayton to benefit from up to £1,500 from the Tesco’s Community Grants scheme.
She said: “When people nominate a local cause that they would like to see supported, Tesco will then contact the group and encourage them to apply for funds.
“The Community Grants scheme is an excellent opportunity for those groups that do such amazing work for us all locally to get a little bit of financial support to help them achieve their aims.”
To apply for a Tesco Community Grant, visit https://tescocommunitygrants.org.uk/
