20 December 2022
The team at TRUE Solicitors LLP, have once again kindly supported Newcastle's West End Foodbank Christmas appeal. On Friday 16th December 6 boxes of essential food, drinks and toiletries, along with a monetary donation, were handed over to the foodbank.
Newcastle West End Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, whose mission is to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. The foodbank is committed to providing emergency food and support to local people in times of crisis.
Whilst there, the team were gearing up for a busy afternoon, preparing food parcels for those in need. It was incredibly heart-warming to see so many volunteers arrive at the foodbank to help, but also deeply saddening to see that they were needed. A bitter-sweet moment.
During this visit, TRUE spoke to Carol Rowland, a team leader at the foodbank: "By the 15th of December this year, we have given out more parcels than the whole of December last year. It's so sad to see just how many families rely on us. One lady who donated to the foodbank in 2021 has actually visited us this month, she wasn't donating food, she was receiving a food parcel... this year has been tough on so many."
Carol has been working with the BBC to raise awareness of the current situation and featured on The One Show on Friday 16th December as part of the ‘Gift a Bike for Christmas’ appeal. The foodbank are also appearing in a BBC documentary which will air early in 2023. The documentary will share the true extent of the situation, in particular, the sharp recent increase in the number of individuals being referred to the foodbank.
In light of this, we're so pleased the team at TRUE contributed as much as they did.
For more information, including how to get help and ways to donate, visit: newcastlewestend.foodbank.org.uk
