Last week, Bob Harper and Penny Downes were presented with another generous cheque for £5,000. Rye Foodbank are so very grateful for the many businesses and individuals who donate to us via the Jempson Foundation. Over the past few years donations have totalled £35,000. An amazing amount and so very encouraging to all the volunteers.
Bob says: “All the volunteers working in the Rye Foodbank are immensely encouraged by the wonderful, open generosity of this community, as evidenced by this cheque and we’re very, very grateful. In dark days, this gift translates to a bright ray of hope for many people, and we promise that we will use every penny carefully and for the good of those most in need. We’re so pleased to work in close partnership with Jempson’s, and we’re deeply appreciative of all that they do for us. Thank you all!”
We have a number of benefactors who give regularly and who, to some extent, are unsung heroes. In some cases, we don’t know who the benefactors are as they have setup standing orders so we just know the bank details but not the name. Every one is treasured though, and of immense value to us. If you are a benefactor and would like acknowledgement of your donations please do send an email to ryefoodbank@gmail.com. We can also send Gift Aid declarations through the registered charity of Rye Baptist Church.
In common with all small businesses in Rye, much of the work is behind the scenes and unseen by customers and visitors. Rye Foodbank is the same. Sometimes when we open the doors of the Baptist Hall every Wednesday at 1pm, we feel we are like a swan swimming down the Rother, frantically paddling against the current but appearing calm and organised on the surface!
It is one of our main priorities to be warm and welcoming to everyone who steps through the door. We are able to offer a hot drink and a listening ear to everyone.
Importantly, we are also interested in offering practical support and our Hastings Advice and Representation Centre (HARC) benefits advisor, Teresa Williams, is present in the food bank each week and is busy with bookings. We are also able to offer support advisory services for housing and other services. Our family support worker, Gill Sutton, is busy dealing with the most awful and complicated housing issues. While the total number of clients visiting the food bank each week remains fairly constant, we have noticed that problems are more complicated. For example, job loss and illness compounded with other issues, poor housing is a common one.
A massive thank you to all our benefactors
A big and heartfelt thank you to everyone who donates goods or funds, no matter how big or small. We appreciate everything as do our clients. At this time of year, it is lovely to receive fresh fruit and vegetables. If you have any surplus produce from your garden or allotment please bring it to the Baptist church hall on Wednesday mornings before midday. Alternatively if you could leave it on the table in the Rye Community Garden in Love Lane, it can be collected early on Wednesdays and taken to the Baptist Hall.
If you, or anyone you know is in need of help, please contact us. If you are provided with food you would then be able to spend your money on paying bills. Just come. You don’t need a referral or a voucher.
We are open every Wednesday at the Baptist church hall, Cinque Ports Street from 1pm until 3pm. All are welcome.
You can email ryefoodbank@gmail.com. Phone us on 07526 349847.
Monetary donations can be sent to Rye Foodbank at Barclays Bank, sort code 20-54-25, account number 83501116, through the Jempson Foundation or cheques to Rye Foodbank, c/o 24 North Salts, Rye. If you donate via the Jempson Foundation and are a taxpayer, gift aid can be applied, thereby increasing the value of the donation by 25% at no cost to the donor. If you make a bank transfer, please do send us a message (via ryefoodbank@gmail.com) so we know who it is from and can send a receipt, if required.
Image Credits: Jempson's , Kt bruce .