Food donations for the poor increase over festive period

pic: Darius Norvilas

Food donations in Croydon were on the up this year after more than £12,000 worth of food was donated over the Christmas period.

Over a three week period, 13 charities in the borough received 80 parcels, with council employees making the biggest donation.

Nightwatch, a Croydon-based charity that provides support for homeless people, told Eastlondonlines that it was the first time they had received mass donations from the council at Christmas time, and any general food donations are usually made during the October harvest festival.

Jad Adams, chair of Nightwatch said: “In previous years only individuals and councillors have helped. It’s a turnaround from what we used to experience. They used to have no interest in voluntary organisations.”

He went on to say that the council usually shows favour to organisations that carry out council responsibilities.

“It seems in this period of austerity everyone is pitching together with huge positivity towards community initiatives.

“There is much more interest in food banks and caring for the needs of the poor.”

Staff across all 13 floors of the council’s Taberner House headquarters donated food in a Fill-the-Trolley competition.

Councillor Mike Fisher, leader of the council, said: “This has been a tremendous effort by staff who are only too aware that there are some in our borough who are unable to afford the type of festive food spread that others of us might take for granted.”

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