THERE was wonderful support from Launceston this year with the Foodbank’s Tesco Christmas Food Collection.

The weight collected has not yet been calculated, but the amount when looking at it is astounding and will make a huge difference to being able to help people who are referred to the Foodbank at a time of crisis.

The cash collected over the three days in the buckets was in excess of £1,100.

Chairman Helen Bailey said: “An enormous thank you for your generosity and continued support of our project. Every Can Helps is so very true and looking at the many clients we have helped this year for the very differing reasons for referral to us it has been a weight lifted to know they had somewhere to turn.

“Thank you to all those who volunteered to cover the many hours over the three days to pack food, hold collection buckets or hand out leaflets. The management and staff at Tesco who continually support us throughout the year not just at the collection once again made sure this ran smoothly and nothing was too much trouble from setting up the stand to providing boxes and drinks.

“As we move in to year seven of Launceston Foodbank the figures have been collated for the previous twelve months. We have helped 1,373 people this year and provided 12,357 meals. The many schools in the town who have asked for help with breakfast clubs have been provided with cereal and jam to help and this will continue to be something we will support ensuring every child will have a good start to the day with a breakfast. We have also helped provide furniture and household items to families in crisis this year, this is all because we have your support.

“Our volunteers work tirelessly as do our staff who also volunteer many hours, there is always a need for volunteers in our project and you can help at either the Foodbank or the Foodbank Charity Shop for as little as two hours. Every Hour makes a difference too. Think about giving a little time as a New Year resolution, call 01566 779550 or visit the charity shop and speak to Jo our charity shop manager.”

Tesco invited shoppers across the UK to help people in need this Christmas by donating long-life food to its Food Collection.

It took place in all Tesco stores, including Launceston’s, from Thursday, November 30 to Saturday, December 2.

The Food Collection is held annually ahead of Christmas, part of the retailer’s ongoing work to support its partners, including The Trussell Trust. Launceston Foodbank is seeded by the Trussell Trust.

Nationally, since the Food Collection began in 2012, more than 40 million meals have been donated by generous Tesco customers.

Matt Davies, UK and ROI CEO at Tesco, said: “I’m always amazed and humbled by the generosity of our customers at Christmas time with the support they give to our Food Collection.

“Last year, we provided more than four million meals worth of food to help people in need through our different schemes, and this year hope to provide even more support with extra little helps like donating £1 for every fresh turkey purchased at Tesco.”