This will be the third year working together on this project. We first pooled our resources in 2020 due to the covid pandemic, thinking it would be a one off. However, things have not improved for many families, and in fact, due to the cost-of-living crisis, many families are struggling more than ever. We therefore decided to once again partner up to be able to provide those in need with the best possible support.
This is what is planned:
- Along with other members of Cambridge Food Poverty Alliance, we will be working to reach as many families experiencing hardship around the city as we can. We know that requests for hampers this year have exceeded 650 already.
- A food parcel to each family, which would include fresh food to help families provide a good meal at Christmas and a range of traditional goods that most of us take for granted, such as puddings, biscuits and treats.
- A gift for each family. We are aiming to offer a family game to older families and something appropriate for toddlers.
- All to be packed for each family.
- Some will go out via events held by groups and organisations working with families, some via food hubs around the city, some through specialist help groups or faith groups and some will be delivered direct to families,
What can you offer?
- Gifts. These can be family games or items suitable for toddlers.
- A Christmas hamper. We have a list of items that we ask each donor to add to their hamper.
- Financial support. We will need donations to plug the gap that other funding doesn't fill.
- We would be very happy to receive larger donations of fresh food that can be dropped off to us near the date.
- Time. We would welcome offers of help with packing fresh food and delivering. This will take place in the timeframe between 5th and 22nd of December.
To try and make things as easy as possible, we have put together some links. Our gift links are local as we are trying to encourage sustainability and support for suppliers closer to home. Please feel free however to use a different supplier to those we have listed if you have a preferred option.
Here are the ways you can help:
Gifts: We have wish lists if you would like to choose an item to buy and donate. We have chosen a very local supplier who adds donations to what you buy to support this project and a large company that is a co-operative of sorts to support more local or UK businesses and jobs.
Toy Drive Wishlist - Lighthouse Toys lighthouse offers us a free delivery service.
Christmas Toy Appeal | John Lewis & Partners Please feel free to team up with other colleagues to make use of the free delivery option. Delivery address is: Clay Farm Centre, Hobson Square, Trumpington, Cambridge, CB2 9FN.
OR: Please buy a non gendered game that you and your family may love and send it to: Clay Farm Centre, Hobson Square, Trumpington, Cambridge, CB2 9FN.
OR: deliver it to us at Clay Farm Centre, Hobson Square, Trumpington, Cambridge, CB2 9FN. (between 10 and 6 Monday to Friday) Deliveries can also be made at other community centres or buildings by arrangement. Please contact us first to ensure you don’t have a wasted journey. contact binnie.pickard@cambridge.gov.uk
Food Hampers: Choose to put together a food hamper as part of the Cambridge City Foodbank Christmas drive. We aim for all our families to receive one of these. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cambridge-city-food-bank-christmas-hampers-2022-tickets-440585993567
Donations of Food: We aim to put together a bag of groceries and fresh produce for all the families. If you or your business could help by donating fresh fruit and vegetables, please contact: Louise Baker at louise@cambridgesustainablefood.org or phone 07818 116059
Financial donations: if you would like to help us with a financial donation, Cambridge Sustainable Food. Please donate to: Cambridge Sustainable Food C.I.C, Account:20393425, Sort Code: 60-83-01. Reference: Xmas.
Volunteers: we are building a database of potential volunteers. If you think you might be available and might like to help, you can be added to our database and we will contact you in December to check who would like to sign up. To be put on our list, please email becca@cambridgesustainablefood.org
Transport: we may need extra help moving things around and delivering in the two weeks leading up to Christmas. If you might like to be involved, we’d like to hear from you, and we’ll contact you again in December. Please email becca@cambridgesustainablefood.org
If you would like to know more, please feel free to call Binnie on 07850 076924 or email binnie.pickard@cambridge.gov.uk for more information.
