The Southport Masonic Group have donated £400 to the Southport Foodbank to assist their finances in helping local people in crisis during these difficult times. The money was part of surplus funds raised at the Southport Group Autumn Fayre late last year.
Southport Group Secretary Geoff Jackson arranged the donation by bank transfer thereby observing social distancing rules! He is a member of his local residents WhatsApp Group that was set up to specifically help vulnerable neighbours in the current COVID-19 crisis.
Geoff heard that the Southport Foodbank were suffering a shortage of supplies due to the overwhelming demand in the current crisis. The WhatsApp Group had organised a collection and donation of foodstuffs to the Foodbank, but he heard they would also appreciate cash donations so they can choose the type of foodstuffs that are required, then buy the food at advantageous pricing levels and assist with administration. Southport Group Chairman Colin Jenkins agreed to donate the cash to assist the Foodbank during these troubled times.
The aim of Southport Foodbank is to help people in crisis by providing three day’s basic food supplies. The Foodbank is run by local people for local people. They offer this in a friendly, non-judgemental environment where clients are welcomed with a cup of tea or coffee and a chat with one of their trained volunteer advisers. Through this they hope to be able to support them both by practical help with food and by signposting to other partner or specialist agencies where their difficulties can be resolved or alleviated.
They have four distribution centres, geographically spread throughout the area and open on different days of the week. In addition to this, they are able to assist clients who may have debt problems by assisting them to budget and develop their negotiating skills with their creditors, removing some of the stress created by the process. Their service is free and totally confidential and clients can go to them with confidence and without stigma.
The Foodbank relies on goodwill and support throughout the year, not just in the present crisis. Whilst the majority of the food distributed is donated by the public, they do rely on cash donations to assist with administration and purchase food that can be targeted to meet specific requirements.
Food and cash donations are absolutely vital to enable them to give everyone who is referred, a balanced and nutritious three-day supply of food and advice on a way forward out of their troubles.