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Torbay Weekly readers and the community step up to support food bank’s recovery after mutliple break-ins
Torquay Boys' Grammar School pupils with their donation
Reporter:
Jim Parker
03 Dec 2024 5:00 PM
Email:
jim.parker@clearskypublishing.co.uk
Torbay Weekly readers and the community have been thanked for bringing some Christmas cheer to the The Paignton Community Larder - just when it was needed the most.
The generosity of the public has restored some faith in humanity after the food bank was burgled not once but twice.
The break-ins happened after a hugely successful Harvest Festival appeal and were 'deeply upsetting'.
But after a story about the setback in the Torbay Weekly, the Bay's big-spirited community have rallied to help the Larder with their Christmas operations.
Manager Andy Bichard said: "Torbay Tri Club did a donation for us where they ran from Torbay Leisure Centre to the church to donate food to aid the recovery after the break-ins in direct response to Torbay Weekly's article a few weeks ago.
Above: Torbay Tri Club and their donation
"We also received far more donations than usual over the last few weeks which again I would attribute to the Torbay Weekly. It would be great to thank the readers for their generosity."
He expressed his 'heartfelt gratitude' to everyone who supported the Larder during this year’s Harvest Festival.
"The incredible generosity in donating food and essential items has made a significant impact, helping us provide meals and support to individuals and families facing hardship in Torbay," said Andy.
He revealed: "However, we’ve recently experienced two break-ins at the foodbank. These incidents were deeply upsetting, not only because of the damage and thefts, but also because of the shock of being targeted. Seeing our hard work momentarily disrupted was hard."
But he added: "The response from our supporters has been nothing short of inspiring, with generous donations pouring in, allowing us to restock and repair.
"It’s moments like these that affirm the importance of what we do and highlight the strength of the relationships we’ve built over the years.
Above: Andy Bichard with the donations
"Thank you for your unwavering support, whether through Harvest Festival donations, ongoing contributions, or simply spreading the word.
"Together, we are making a difference in fighting food poverty and bringing hope to those in need.
"We would especially like to thank: Paignton Salvation Army, Paignton Catholic Church, Palace Avenue Methodist church, Goodrington Methodist church, Southfield Christian Centre, Paignton & Barton Baptist church, St Andrews, Oldway School, Torquay Boys Grammar, Great Parks, Paignton Parish church, Torbay Tri Club and Gerston Chapel. You are all making a hugely positive difference to those in need."
The Larder will once again be 120 Christmas food hampers to families across Paignton.
Andy says: "We have once again seen unprecedented demand upon our service throughout 2024, with many families and individuals struggling.
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