LAUNCESTON Foodbank recently turned five years old, and the volunteers’ commitment to the project was celebrated.

Although the management committee of Launceston Foodbank and Charity Shop said ‘having to have a Foodbank is nothing to be celebrated’, numbers show it is needed — 1,042 adults and children were helped during difficult times last year.

The committee recently had a get together with volunteers and staff. Foodbank chairman Helen Bailey and vice chairman Yvonne King cut the cake and volunteers shared a buffet and chatted with those who they do not get to see as they work different hours either in the Charity Shop or Foodbank.

The charity shop is approaching its second anniversary in March and is doing what it was set up for — to fund the bulk of the costs of running the Foodbank.

Foodbank manager Karen Milne and administrators Lorraine Conway and Emma Davey received flowers from the management committee members and all attending were entered into a free raffle organised by Moira Wilding as a thank you for all the hard work they do.

The Foodbank’s partners who refer clients to the Foodbank are ensuring that those in crisis, be it through financial difficulties, changes of personal circumstance, including those who are homeless, sofa surfing teenagers and adults, those going through divorce, or who are suffering from domestic abuse are able to have a food parcel.

Helen said: “We are able to support by having knowledge to refer them on to other agencies to advise and help with the varying challenges they may be facing.”

The Foodbank is open four mornings a week at Newport Industrial Estate, from 10am to noon, and holds a session on a Tuesday morning at Central Methodist Church during the coffee morning held each week by the church.

Fundraising and grant applications are still a large part of keeping the Foodbank running along with food donations which are very generously given at the various collection point at Tesco and the Coop along with schools, churches, organisations and businesses who are supporting the project.

Helen added: “We are always looking for volunteers to come along and help at either the Foodbank or the Charity Shop, there are several volunteers who have gone on to find employment with skills they have gained volunteering and young people who have volunteered to go towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award or Lions Young Leaders In Service Award. A few hours a week can make a huge difference.

“Thank you Launceston community and all our volunteers for the support and help you give to make the Foodbank available for those who need it.”

To talk to someone about volunteering for the Foodbank call Karen, Lorraine or Emma on 01566 779550 or email [email protected]