Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews went to the unboxing of the OPCC foodbank donations.
Organised by the OPCC, for the last two weeks, boxes have been placed around Force HQ for officers and staff to come along and donate food to our People Zones (New Parks & Bell Foundry) that need our help over the Christmas period.
As the foodbank in New Parks closes for a couple of weeks, it was important to gather as many donations as possible this side of Christmas so that people do not go without whilst the foodbank is closed.
The foodbank in Bell Foundry, Loughborough, is open throughout Christmas but would be very grateful for non-perishable donations to see them through this time.
New Parks Foodbank’s Lindsay Perbedy said, “The pandemic has meant foodbanks are needed more than ever. We’re doing what we can to help day and night, and I am on call 24/7 for people in emergencies and having this makes all the difference.”
Ahmed Hossain from Aid Infinity said “people donating so much food and with the exposure from a public figure as well really helps us to do our work. We are so thankful for the support.”
Mr Matthews said, “Leicestershire Police officers and staff have made a fantastic effort with this years’ Christmas foodbank donations. I want to thank their generosity and emphasise just how much this will mean to those relying on foodbanks to support them now more than ever.
Finally, I want to thank Lily and Jess in my office for all their hard work arranging this. Thanks to them and the Force, we managed to fill huge boxes with tins of fruit and veg to puddings, crackers and cheese and rice to give just a taste of what was donated.
We have received so much, and it will really make such a massive difference to those who need it most this Christmas. Thank you, and Merry Christmas and a happy new year!”
