Canford Chase spreads cheer with Dorset foodbank delivery

Residents of our Poole care home prepared and hand delivered 30 packed lunches to help families facing food poverty in the Dorset town.

The packs were quickly snapped up as they were brought to Poole Food Bank’s main town centre hub, the St James’ Church Centre in Church Street.

Four residents from Canford Chase care home – Molly Thatcher, Barbara Rivett, Pamela Kateley and Marjorie Jewkes – took a minibus trip to hand the packs over personally to foodbank manager Ian Stoney and his team.

It was the culmination of an Easter school holiday initiative that involved Canford Chase residents, Companionship Team members, Home Manager Charlotte Wilson and Chef Juraj Chrensc.

The freshly made-up packs, completed at a residents’ activity session, featured ham and cheese sandwiches, fruit, crisps and chocolate.

At the centre, known locally as Jimmy’s Place, the visitors spent time with staff and volunteers learning how the foodbank helps people access nutrition, toiletries and other items essential to everyday life.

Canford Chase resident Barbara Rivett said: “It was really interesting to learn about the work that goes on. It’s such a good thing that the foodbank is here to help people who have fallen on hard times.”

Companionship Team Leader Vicky Day said: “At Canford Chase we enjoy supporting local projects and the community links these build. Many families or individuals may experience food poverty at some point in their life. School holidays can be an especially hard time for families who are experiencing difficulties with the rising cost of living, and so we wanted to help ease this over the Easter break.

“The foodbank team are compassionate, and it was clear to see while we were there that visitors are welcomed with warmth and an ear to listen.

“The team outlined the process when someone arrives at the centre including the extra services and provisions they can offer such as recipe kits and money advice.

“Our visit helped us learn so much. On returning to the home, we discussed it with other residents.

“We now plan to provide further support in the coming weeks and months to help the foodbank’s wonderful work in the community.”