A Braintree foodbank is rejoicing this Christmas after getting a grant to cover the cost of their vital stolen van.
The Braintree Area Foodbank lost its van and equipment when thieves broke into Lakes Industrial Park in the town in October, leaving volunteers using replacement vehicles to get supplies between their four distribution centres.
But now the Essex Community Foundation (ECF) has helped find the funds to let the group buy a brand-new delivery van to help supply food to those in financial crisis.
The money was donated by Chelmsford tax firm RSM’s community fund, the Jean and Peter Davey Charitable Fund and the Yellow Car Charitable Fund.
RSM manager Jennifer Collins said: “The work of the foodbank is commendable and without it, people who are struggling to feed themselves and their families would go hungry.
“We are so pleased to award them a grant from our fund with ECF to help to contribute to the cost of their new van.”
The foodbank distributed almost 40 tonnes of food to 3,268 people, including nearly 1,300 children, in 2017.
ECF chief executive Caroline Taylor said: “We were shocked to hear about the break-in at the foodbank and were pleased to be able to respond so quickly to their request for help.”
For more information about Essex Community Foundation, visit the ECF website.
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