A GRATEFUL Coventry Foodbank user-turned-volunteer is the face of the charity’s Christmas fundraising campaign to help tackle the rising food crisis in the city.
Tony Lee, who has devoted 15 years to the Foodbank as a volunteer and staff member, is the star of the charity’s latest fundraiser, Where’s Tony? – a play on the popular hide-and-seek picture puzzle books Where’s Wally?
As well as a fun social media campaign running every other day throughout December, the 12 cartoon scenes – depicting locations in Coventry and the foodbank – also form the basis of a fundraising calendar, available to buy from the charity now.
The campaign aims to raise awareness as well as thousands of pounds for the under-pressure foodbank, which has 15 centres throughout the city.
Tony was first brought into contact with the foodbank in 2012 after a spell in hospital with septic arthritis, a serious condition which left him unable to work for many months while battling back to health.
He said: “I was so short of money; I had to borrow from family just to be able to have the heating on.
“The foodbank was a lifeline for me during that time. I was so grateful, and when I was well enough, I started volunteering at the foodbank. And a couple of years after that, I was employed as a member of staff.
“I enjoy working for the charity and get satisfaction from helping people, and I get to see that every day. Working with the charity has given me confidence; it’s given me purpose.”
Tony says he is getting used to seeing his face as part of the campaign.
He added: “I don’t mind – if it’s helping more people in Coventry to get the food and support they need, then being turned into a comic book character and having everyone trying to find me can’t be a bad thing!”
Canon Gavin Kibble MBE, founder of Coventry Foodbank, said the Christmas calendar was more than just a fundraiser.
He said: “It’s a celebration of the people and stories that make our city so special. Every day we see how a simple act of kindness can change a life.
“Tony’s is a true story, and there are thousands more stories like it, told by people who have found themselves in a difficult position and needing help – people like Tony, who, many years ago, came to us for help and is now part of the team helping others.
“It’s an honour to recognise his contribution to the work of the city’s foodbank over the last 15 years, as well as highlighting the dedication of over 300 volunteers and staff who ensure that thousands of people are regularly supported with emergency food.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/32vy6jrj to buy a copy of the calendar for £5 plus postage.
Donors who start a regular monthly donation to Coventry foodbank in December will receive a free Where’s Tony? 2026 Calendar.
