This month I wanted to share with you a few words of appreciation from the foodbanks and community groups that we support on behalf of West Ham fans, and details of how they operate.
Samantha White, Manager of Carpenters and Dockland Community Centre, wrote: ‘We extend a heartfelt thank you to John from Irons Supporting Foodbanks for his unwavering support and generosity. John’s kindness and dedication have made a significant impact on our organisation, as well as the many individuals and families we serve. Through his ongoing donations of food, furniture, bedding and clothing, John has played a vital role in our mission to provide assistance to over one thousand individuals each week. Additionally, his contributions have helped us run a free cafeteria three days a week and host engaging activities like free bingo, creating a warm and welcoming environment for those in need.
‘The donations from Irons Supporting Foodbanks have truly made a difference in the lives of the homeless individuals we support and the struggling households we assist. John’s commitment to helping others shines brightly and serves as an inspiration to us all. We are deeply grateful for John’s compassion, generosity, and continuous support. His contributions have touched the hearts of many and brought comfort to those facing challenging circumstances. Thank you, John, for your invaluable support and for being a beacon of hope to those in need.’
Nicole, Director at Sphere Support CIC, wrote: ‘It is really grateful for the support of Irons Supporting Foodbanks. We received regular donations of pallets, items which include clothes and household items for two years and counting. John has been very helpful, anytime we need help or recommendations he is available. Through the support, we are able to continue supporting the community through the food club. Families are able to benefit from the food we receive, it means a lot to us as a small organisation to have the support of Irons Supporting Foodbanks.’
The Highway Vineyard Storehouse in Manor Park wrote: ‘We are a weekly food club for local people with very little income, and we help them to extend their limited food budget. Some 75 households per week come to us, which means 240 people per week receive food. Food is vital of course, and we also help people begin to address some of the barriers they experience to living well – speaking English, sorting housing problems, getting financial help, signing up for Healthy Start and supplying Vitamin D for 60+. Through all these, we help people find some friendship and belonging in the sea of London faces. It’s lively – and worthwhile. So many of the food club members now volunteer to help it all work better’
Monsignor John Armitage, Parish Priest at St Margaret’s Catholic Church in Canning Town, wrote: ‘Twice a week, since 2019 has been running a local Food Bank. An average of 250 people attend each week, it is open to all. In addition, we cook an average 25 meals a night for the homeless men who sleep under the Canning Town flyover.
‘We are helped by many donations of food and clothes from local people and in particular the support of Irons Supporting Foodbanks that gives great assistance to our work. The support of local people is a sign of the great ‘East End’ spirit of supporting each other in hard times. Despite the increasing high rise building developments, poverty is still a major issue affecting many local people. The generosity of so many through community groups helps fill the increasing gaps, arising with the present high cost of living.’
And last but not least, Stacey Cordery (pictured) from Bonny Downs Community Association (BDCA) wrote: ‘We are a dynamic community-led charity that has been serving the residents of the London Borough of Newham since 1998. Based in East Ham, we support a diverse cross-section of our local community, working with people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. We have a positive impact on local lives through a wide range of services and activities designed to bring people together and provide opportunities for people to connect with neighbours; improve their health and wellbeing; access the support they need; learn new skills; give back to their community; and celebrate life. We do this through children & family groups, over 65’s sessions, youth work, sports and community gardening.
‘One of the services we offer at BDCA is a Foodbank which provides those in crisis with emergency food parcels. At our Foodbank, everyone can have a hot meal with our volunteers, have a chat over a cup of tea and relax at our art table. We also provide good quality second-hand clothes to those that need them. Alongside this service we have advocates that offer wrap around support to assist residents in navigating welfare issues that can impact finances. This can be housing, immigration, benefits, ESOL classes, form filing and much more.
‘People who are ready to move on from crisis food parcels, can access our Community Foodclub, in which we help combat local food waste by offering a weekly £5 membership for groceries. We are proud to partner with Irons Supporting Foodbanks to offer this service within our community, and are so grateful to them and West Ham fans – and away supporters – for their generous donations which sustain our offer.’
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