Employees from across the British Engines Group came together to donate to local food banks as part of Christmas Jumper Day 2021.
Employees from businesses across the group were asked to bring in donations to support Newcastle West End Foodbank. Located in Benwell, the food bank is part of a nationwide network managed by The Trussell Trust.
Since opening in 2013, the Benwell foodbank has become one of the busiest food banks in the UK, providing food parcels to over 30,000 people each year. Working in partnership with local agencies, the food bank helps people to overcome complex issues such as debt, homelessness, unemployment and addiction, enabling them to break their dependency on food banks overtime.
Over 500kg of food was generously donated by British Engines Group employees. This donation equates to 30 family parcels which is enough to feed 120 people, including 60 children. On top of this, a number of boxes filled with toiletries, pet food and Christmas gifts were also donated, along with a further £370. Employees at Stephenson Gobin also made donations to Woodhouse Close Community Foodbank in Bishop Auckland and Dog’s Trust in Darlington.
Laura Willis, Administrator at Newcastle West End Foodbank, said: “Thank you to everyone for the amazing amount of donations! We are extremely grateful to you for all your efforts to support the Foodbank.”
In order to go some way further towards helping those struggling in the local community, the British Engines Group made an additional donation of £10,000 to Newcastle West End Foodbank.
Alex Lamb, Chairman at British Engines Group, said: “Having been a part of the North East community for nearly 100 years, we believe that it is our responsibility to support the local community around us in whatever way we can.
“I am truly overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of our employees and hope that our donations will help local families to have an easier and more enjoyable Christmas.”
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