The team at Specsavers in Bath have chosen Bath Foodbank as their local charity to support for the rest of the year.
Staff at the Specsavers store in Bath
When asked which local cause they’d like to work with, the 47-strong team all cast a vote and the vital foodbank proved most popular.
As well as appealing for donations of food, which people will be able to drop off at the Westgate Street store, the team will also be hoping to raise much-needed money.
There will be a card machine in store for anyone who would like to make a donation and when Covid restrictions allow, the store is also hoping to organise fundraising events.
Phil Lodge, store director at Specsavers Bath said: “We know that so many charities have been hit hard during the pandemic with most fundraising events stopping back in March last year.
“So now that lockdown measures are easing, we wanted to get back to the charity activity that had been so important to us before Covid restrictions came into force. It was also important to use to involve the team in the decision, which was why we put it to a vote.
“The pandemic has hit many families very hard and we know that the use of foodbanks had sadly been increasing in recent years. Covid has unfortunately seen this rise even further, which is why I think the team made the decision to support Bath Foodbank.
“We know how generous our customers are and have no doubt that they will get behind us, whether that’s through making a donation or dropping off items of food.”
Bath Foodbank is one of the Genesis Trust’s projects. Their aim is to offer immediate practical help to people who are hungry, homeless and vulnerable, and provide long-term help and opportunities for them to rebuild their lives.
Hilary Long, community and events manager, Genesis Trust Bath said: “We’re delighted that Specsavers Bath has chosen to support us.
“The demand for our services has soared during lockdown and as we rely on donations from business and the public, it’s always very welcome news when an organisation wants to help us.
“While all non-perishable items are greatly received, we’re currently especially in need of tinned custard, tinned fruit, tinned meat, tinned fish, UHT milk, sponge pudding and dog food.”
Bath Foodbank provides three days of nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis.
It is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks from The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
