Next Wednesday (31 March) sees the return of Halewood’s Foodbank Takeover, where once again, we will be converting our People Centres into temporary foodbanks, as part of our ongoing partnership with Knowsley Food Bank.
We spoke with Jay Round, from Trim & Final, who has been the driving force behind this campaign, about why it’s important for employees to dig deep once again in support of our local communities.
Jay said: “Charity starts at home and this is the first of four takeovers planned for this year, which will help us to make a real difference to so many people and families.
“We are in regular contact with Knowsley Foodbank and know the last few months have been incredibly busy for them because of the third national lockdown, which has meant many people have been unable to work or were self-isolating, so haven’t been able to afford food or essentials. It’s shocking to think this is going on, right on our doorstep.
“At one point they were feeding up to 2,000 people a week and calls to their Food Support Line rocketed- they have been a lifeline to people. Our contacts at the foodbank are also concerned that the situation is only going to get worse as the furlough system comes to an end, as the reality is more people will end up losing their jobs and need to access their support."
The Halewood Foodbank Takeover takes place on Wednesday 31 March. From 08:00 to 16:00, employees will be able to make food, toiletry or other essentials’ donations at the Admin People Centre in Trim & Final, or in their own department’s designated foodbank.
As Knowsely Foodbank is marking its 10 year anniversary this year, we will be hosting four takeovers this year and have set employees the challenge of donating a total of 10,000 food items by the end of 2021. We will keep you regularly updated on our progress but with your help, we know we can achieve this and make a real difference to so many people, living in our local communities.
As well as food donations, we will also be accepting clothing, PPE and toiletry donations, for local charity, Help Finder, which supports vulnerable people living in Liverpool City Centre.
Where do I donate?
Trim and Final Donation point: Admin People Centre
Quality Donation point: Admin People Centre, Trim & Final
Body Shop Donation point: Body Shop Clerk's Office (T36)
If you’re able to, please make a donation- no matter how small. Every packet and tin counts and below is a list of foods that Knowsley Food Bank is in desperate need of but anything you can donate will be very much appreciated.
Milk (UHT or powdered)
Tinned fruit
Tinned rice pudding/custard
Dried pasta
Tinned fish
Tinned potatoes/instant mash
Juice/squash
Milk (UHT or powdered)
Meat (tinned)
Tomatoes (tinned) or pasta sauces (jars)
Biscuits
Instant coffee
How do I donate safely?
Your safety is our number one priority. In order for you to donate safely, please adhere to the JLR and Government guidelines. You must remain socially distanced from other colleagues when making your donations and wear appropriate PPE.
“That’s why I’m hoping our employees can rally around once again and make a donation- even if it’s just one packet or tin. With the amount of people that work at Halewood, if everyone brought in just one item, imagine how many people we could help to feed- a simple act of kindness could make a huge difference. ”
