- 14/12/2018
- Posted by: Lesley Griffiths MS
- Category: News
Volunteers at a local foodbank are working tirelessly to support those in need this Christmas.
Local Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths recently visited the Wrexham Foodbank Warehouse on Dean Road to donate some supplies and meet with the hardworking volunteers.
Foodbank Manager, Sally Ellinson and her team are in the process of preparing approximately 350 Christmas hampers for vulnerable people in the local community.
Unfortunately, the number of people using foodbanks continues to rise. In Wrexham this last year, over 4,300 three-day emergency food supplies were given to people in crisis.
The figures are an increase on the same time last year and the charity believes the UK Government’s protracted implementation of the controversial Universal Credit, causing significant delays in benefit payments, is a key reason for the ongoing difficulties.
In spite of the challenging times, the people of Wrexham are wholeheartedly supporting their local foodbank. Earlier this month, the Wrexham branch experienced its busiest day ever, with over 2,500KG donated in just 24 hours.
In addition to the collections taking place in Asda, Tesco Wrexham and Tesco Cefn Mawr, the Traveller community across the UK initiated the hugely successful ‘foodbank challenge’ via social media which encouraged individuals to fill up a shopping trolley for local foodbanks.
Lesley Griffiths AM said: “Although it is extremely disappointing there is an increasing demand for foodbanks, it is heartening to see the generosity of local residents during the appeals and this was more evident than ever earlier this month when Wrexham Foodbank received a record amount of donations.”
“I, along with members of the Labour Party in Wrexham, will continue to support Sally and her hard working team of volunteers, who all do a fantastic job. Without them this valuable service, which really makes a positive difference to vulnerable people’s lives in our local community, would not be able to function.”
