A LIFE-CHANGING Coventry charity is helping to put the city’s name on the global map as a place of compassion and care for others – and wants more businesses to get involved with its work.
Feed the Hungry UK is looking for new corporate partners to help it to support more people during the cost-of-living crisis.
Based at the Halo Centre in Binley, the charity is known for its work as Coventry Foodbank, which provides thousands of food parcels each year to local people.
As well as food banks, it supports community pantries in the region where people can choose a range of items for just a small contribution.
The charity has also created an AI system which links other charities and service providers in the city to make sure support services are offered to those people who need it.
Globally, the charity is involved in projects in Bolivia, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Nepal, Romania, Zambia and Zimbabwe that provide food and support schooling, access to clean water and wider community initiatives.
Sandra Godley OBE, president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to the Halo Centre to see the charity’s work.
She said: “It is incredible to see how much amazing work is taking place from this location in Binley. They are changing people’s lives in the city and, indeed, around the world through compassion and entrepreneurialism – it’s very moving to see what a dramatic impact they are having!
“I saw hundreds of food parcels ready to be delivered in Coventry, and I also picked up a box that weighed just a few kilograms but could feed a child in Africa for a whole school year! Those boxes are filled with pre-prepared meals that have been packed right here in our city.
“They also showed me how, in partnership with major sports and clothing brands and in collaboration with GAiN (Global Aid International Network), items originally destined for waste are being recovered and redirected to countries such as Bulgaria and Ukraine, providing essential clothing to those who need it most.
“It was absolutely remarkable and what they really need is more support from businesses.
“That kind of work can only happen through partnership and it’s only through collaboration between corporate and charity sectors that we can bring about a lasting legacy.”
Companies are asked to ‘journey’ with the organisation rather than simply donate.
Corporates can donate excess stock, hold away days and support with packing food parcels.
Gavin Kibble MBE, CEO of Feed the Hungry UK, said: “Of course, any donations are welcome because times are tight and we need all of the support we can get.
“But we really want to partner with corporates. We’d say, come and see the work we’re doing and how we’re changing lives and then journey with us.”
Visit https://feedthehungry.org.uk for more information or to get involved.
