Whilst 2020 was a year of challenge for all; foodbanks faced the largest increase in demand they've witnessed for a number of years. April through to September 2020, the Trussell Trust distributed 1.2 million emergency food packages across the UK, with their predictions of this need increasing over the final months of the year. Following this, it felt right for the teams at Fuelmate and the JR Rix group to collect donations for our local foodbank, Hull Foodbank, a part of the Trussell Trust.
Being a part of the Hull community is important to us at Fuelmate. Having previously run 10K for Macmillan amongst other exciting challenges, we're always keen to help local charities and give back. Since 2017, Fuelmate and the JR Rix group have supported local food banks around the Christmas period to help families keep food in their cupboards when times are tough. Each time we've participated in the initiative, we are really proud to see our donations increase year on year.
Organised by Colin Wooldridge, the Foodbank Reverse Advent Calendar campaign began. Rather than having a piece of chocolate each day from an advent calendar, colleagues brought donations of food and essential items to the office ready for Hull Foodbank to collect ahead of the Christmas period. Overall, with so many generous donations, we donated 547kg of food and essential items to support individuals, couples, and families in need across the region this Christmas. This is the equivalent of feeding one person for 31 weeks or feed 110 people over three days.
Colin said 'This year has been an incredibly tough year with millions struggling with isolation, loneliness and feeding families. I firmly believe that without the local food banks, the Coronavirus Pandemic would be an even bigger issue than it already is!'
'To give an idea of the scale, the Food Bank sent a transit van to collect the items, and we managed to help fill the van to the brim. I'm not ashamed to admit it was quite emotional seeing that and I know it really will make a difference to families across this city.'
If Fuelmate/Rix Petroleum's actions can inspire one more person to help, that could be one more person or one more family that will get the support and help that they need. To find out more about Fuelmate and the work we do in our local community, please take a look through our blog.
