This Christmas, Dorset Chamber is inviting the Dorset business community to donate food and personal care items to its Festive FoodBank in aid of Faithworks – a local charity that works alongside people through times of crisis, practically building hope and resilience.
Faithworks supports people affected by homelessness, food poverty, debt, addiction, and lone parenting. Through its Food Bank+ in Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wimborne and Blandford, it offers help for those struggling to pay for food and personal care supplies.
To get involved, choose from the items listed and bring them to the Dorset Chamber Christmas Lunch event on 1st December or deliver them to the Dorset Chamber office. From there they will be distributed via the Faithworks network to local hard-pressed individuals and families.
You can also donate funds directly to: Faithworks or to the Homelessness Partnership. Donations should be delivered to the Dorset Chamber office no later than 14th December so they can be distributed over the Christmas period.
Ian Girling, Chief Executive, Dorset Chamber “No family or individual should be without the essentials of food, clothing or personal care at any time of year, let alone at Christmas. Our mission at Dorset Chamber is to enable better lives through business so if we can make a difference, we want to help.
“Dorset Chamber members are incredibly generous, so we’re hoping to see some great donations through the Festive Foodbank at our Christmas lunch event and throughout December. Even if it’s just a pair of socks or a tin of soup, it all counts.”
Alistair Doxat-Purser, CEO, Faithworks, said: “We, here at Faithworks, love it when business and community work together to bring practical hope to those who need it most. In these challenging times, Dorset Chamber of Commerce’s idea of collecting food, toiletries and underwear for those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity is both simple and a great idea that others might follow – a perfect example of “collaboration for good”.
“As members of the Access to Food and Homelessness partnerships locally, we’re so grateful to all who support their local community food setting – check out the on-line BCP Access to Food Map or download the BanktheFood app it all helps!”
Businesses are encouraged to consider the idea of a ‘reverse advent calendar’ – instead of opening a door and eating a chocolate each day, donate to the Festive Foodbank and send it to Dorset Chamber.
With thousands of men, women and children across Dorset severely affected by the rising costs of living, your donation will make a difference this Christmas.
