CalendarPosted on July 11, 2024
Widnes Foodbank would not be able to operate without its army of over 100 volunteers. We have a real mix of volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life. There is a large group of active retirees, some people who join us for a short time and some who are able to support us alongside their work/family commitments. The one thing that they have in common is that they all want to give back to their community and do so, with great energy, commitment and compassion.
Meet Janet
Janet is a long standing volunteer at Widnes Foodbank. She volunteered to help out at the foodbank before it even started and has been a regular volunteer at Crossing Point ever since. She recently celebrated her 80th Birthday with the Crossing Point team by bringing cakes for everyone. She is a much appreciated team member and is very compassionate and sympathetic with the clients.
On the 29th of September 2023, Janet, was presented with a long service award for volunteering at Widnes Foodbank for more than ten years.
Meet the McGreal family
Katy Aitken (nee McGreal), pictured here with her new baby Amy, and parents Dave and Helen, is a busy working mum (when she’s not on maternity leave!) who also finds time to volunteer for Widnes Foodbank.
Katy explained, “I got involved with Widnes Foodbank in Oct 2022 – intending to just do a few mornings volunteering at the warehouse. I was using my CSR days (Corporate social responsibility) from work. I get two days a year when I can work for a charity close to my heart rather than my normal work! While working at the warehouse I overheard Vicky, the Manager of Widnes Foodbank, saying they needed digital marketing help desperately, so couldn’t stay out of it! I’m a marketing manager with a digital background! I’ve been involved ever since!”
As well as working, Katy now has two small children Cameron is 3 years old and Amy is 6 weeks old! Katy uses her marketing background to help with social media. She says, “It’s the perfect way to be able to fit it in around my normal work and family life – as I can choose the time that suits me to do my foodbank work! The 4am feed is a very productive time for me!”
Katy’s passion for the foodbank is contagious and now her retired parents Dave and Helen are both involved, after 40 years each at ICI! Dave works on a Wednesday at Crossing Point and he also helps with driving and deliveries whenever he can. Helen works behind the scenes and helps to cover for holidays at the foodbank. She’s also currently involved in the foodbank’s social media with Katy.
Meet Molly
After graduating from Leeds University, 22 year old Molly returned to Widnes, and wanted to give back to her community, by helping out at Widnes Foodbank.
As a young girl Molly volunteered with the Guides and Rainbows.
She finds working at the Foodbank rewarding. Molly loves working with the other volunteers, “I enjoy the camaraderie and the banter,” she said, as well as “working with the clients and helping them”.
“It’s amazing the generosity we see in donations – including one man who found £80 in the street so went and spent it on supplies for us! “
When Molly helped out at the Tesco Food Drive she reported being surprised that shoppers donated whole trolleys full of food: “It’s restored my faith in humanity.”
Do you think you could help us? Inspired to get involved? Read about how you could help us and become a volunteer by browsing our current vacancies.