We're donating £17,000 to foodbanks in South Belfast, Omagh and Antrim to support vulnerable people this Christmas
Foodbanks in Northern Ireland have seen an 80% surge in demand this year as result of the global pandemic. In the run-up to Christmas, we're delighted to announce that we have donated £17,000 on behalf of our staff across across three local Foodbanks, including; South Belfast Foodbank, Omagh Foodbank and Antrim Foodbank to support those in need.
The Foodbanks are a vital service to the communities they serve, providing nutritionally balanced food and support to people all year round. This contribution is part of the broader Power NI commitment to the communities it serves, and the power supplier has donated more than £50,000 to groups and causes throughout COVID-19 via its Covid Community Response Fund & Brighter Communities Fund.
Bruce Gardiner-Crehan of South Belfast Foodbank commented;
“South Belfast Foodbank have been tackling food poverty and insecurity for 6 years now, and for nearly 2 years, Power NI have partnered with us in a variety of ways that means support for those struggling goes even further. I'm so impressed by Power NI's commitment to their community, their compassion for people in need, and as we share these values it just feels right to continue our partnership this Christmas time. Covid has hit everyone hard and the more we collaborate, the better effect we can have. Together, we can do more, speak louder, and empower people in need and help lift them out of the rut they are in. I'm so thankful for this organisation and the key employees within it that look for ways to help the third sector to be even stronger. The money we get this Christmas from Power NI will have a deep impact. It will mean at least 285 single people receive a vital 3-day emergency food parcel to keep them going over the holiday period”
Fionnuala O'Donnell, Antrim Foodbank Project Manager stated; “We are so humbled and delighted that Power NI are making this significant donation to the Antrim Foodbank. We have been working with Power NI for a few years and we value their contribution at this very challenging time”.
Pastor Graham from Life Triumphant Church which runs the R.E.A.C.H Food Bank in Omagh comments: ‘We would like to say a big thank you to Power NI for supporting us this Christmas. They have given us the power to purchase much needed supplies for our Christmas hampers, the finances will also go a long way to helping those in need well into the New Year. The Power NI team province wide and especially the team in Omagh have always been supportive to our cause to help stamp out food poverty”.
Ian Thom, Energia Group CEO commented; “Foodbanks play an integral role in supporting communities and we are delighted that we can assist these organisations at what can be a very challenging time of year. In line with the services we provide to householders and businesses across the province, we believe that we have responsibility to invest in community-based initiatives that not only support but also drive positive change sustainably. Our staff are central to these efforts, and I would take the opportunity to recognise the work of the Power NI team who have worked tirelessly since the outbreak of the pandemic earlier this year to support and donate to worthy causes.”
