Isle Of Wight Charities Benefit From Freshwater Co-op Food Donations

Thousands of pounds worth of products have been donated to two different Isle of Wight charities, as Freshwater Co-op closed its doors.

Southern Co-op donated five large cages of food, drink and baby products as its large Freshwater store in Afton Road changed hands, to be converted into a Tesco.

The Real Junk Food Project and Baby Box IOW were the two charities to benefit and has already led to dozens of people benefiting from the donations.

Marz Turner, of Baby Box IOW, said:

"It was like Christmas, birthdays and everything came at once. We are a small charity, so everything that comes through the door usually goes straight back out to the community. It's heartbreaking when someone comes in asking for help.

"The items we were donated are luxuries for us. The amount of the stuff and the quality of the stuff is just mind-blowing. It has given us the power to say yes to people who need help and not have to ask them to wait while we try and get hold of the products.

"The difference it will make in our lives and to our families - it means we can focus on delivering to people."

Faith Stickland, of the Real Junk Food Project IOW, said the products donated to them have already been split up further across the Island, with fizzy drinks going to Aspire and the Congressional Church in Newport, and grooming products which were taken to Carers IW and the night shelter.

Faith said:

"Spices, cereal and sauces etc. were put out for the community and shared with the Timebank who have been making up ten family food boxes identified by the local school as families in need.

"West Wight Sports and Community Centre have some nutrition bars and cereals in store in case they come across some folk who are having difficulty shopping during the change over. The chemistry items I have kept separate for the health visitor to collect. I included Ventnor Food Bank with donations of dried foods and sweets in the main.

"All were very happy with their donations, which will add to the distributions they make in their area of the island each week. Carers IW were very surprised with the items I took, especially the chocolates that would surely put a smile on the faces of a very deserving collection of unsung heroes, coping tirelessly with vulnerable family members at home.

"The staff have always been so helpful and respectful of myself and the foodstuff. Many thanks to all of you from all of us."

Neil Riley, Area Manager for Southern Co-op - the independent, regional co-operative, said:

"I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported the store changeover- whether that is gathering these donations for charity or continuing to support our customers and colleagues. It has been an incredible team effort.

"Through our convenience stores across the Isle of Wight, we'll be maintaining our commitment to supporting the local community. I was part of building the initial relationship with the Real Junk Food Project IOW and have had the pleasure to volunteer at the Timebank, so it is really satisfying to see these donations going off to help so many people.

"Going forward we will be continuing to offer colleague volunteering and goods donations opportunities, as well as local funding of up to £500. I have witnessed this funding make such a difference to people's lives and I look forward to hearing of even more success stories in the future."

The local funding is available for local causes which are working to create greener, healthier, safer and more inclusive neighbourhoods. For more information on Southern Co-op's commitment to support local communities, visit www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/love-your-neighbourhood/.