MFB
BANK NEWS FOR MFB SUPPORTERS
Dear all,
Thank you so much for your contribution of food and toiletries to the Middlesbrough Foodbank. Those items not previously delivered to St. Benedict's were brought on Monday. We were in the hall, preparing the goods already in the hall for loading, carefully observing social distancing. Simon Le Gassicke kindly loaded up afterwards and conveyed the goods to Middlesbrough on Tuesday, together with Fr. James' consignment from Easingwold, and Dr. Black's from Oswaldkirk. The police had approved the delivery as an essential service.
As previously announced, we are suspending deliveries of goods from Ampleforth to the MFB during the duration of the crisis. We are very conscious however that the need in Middlesbrough remains disproportionately great and would urge anyone who can to donate regularly, if possible using gift aid, via the forms available on line. (See the end of this email). We know that many of you do donate in this manner and apologise for the obvious overkill. We must, if we can, endeavour to replicate the incredible generosity displayed by donors over the last seven years. Those who cannot donate on line or using one of the other methods may, as Fr. Bede has publicised, put a cash donation in an envelope and post it at St Benedict’s House where they will ensure the monies get to the Food Bank. Organisers in Middlesbrough will use all donations to benefit from buying locally and advantageously at a wholesale store.
“Charities have urged Catholics not to forget the most vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic, writes Ellen Teague (in The Tablet (March 21st.)). The Caritas Food Collective in Westminster archdiocese warned that foodbanks have suffered as panic buying emptied supermarkets of food and other essentials. Anna Gavurin of Caritas Westminster said: “We mustn’t forget that hundreds of people rely on their local foodbanks – not just for food but also for hygiene items and toilet paper and we urge people to continue their generosity to foodbanks by donating items or money.” (This appeal was addressed to Catholics in a Catholic journal: it is of course no less valid for all people of good will). The need is greater now that it has ever been.
This from The Independent on March 21st.:
“Real hunger” is affecting Britons on a scale not seen in decades as food banks are hit by the dual impact of soaring demand and dwindling supplies due to panic buying sparked by the coronavirus pandemic, charities have warned.
Staple components of emergency food packages are “just not on the shelves”, one charity boss told The Independent, while another spoke of his fear that worse was to come given that the UK would be on lockdown for months.
British households have stored an estimated £1bn worth of goods in their homes during the pandemic, according to figures given at the latest government press conference, creating shortages despite manufacturers having produced 50 per cent more food than usual in the last week, as shoppers ignore assurances that supply chains are robust. Charities are warning that the “unprecedented” circumstances are hurting the most vulnerable, including those who had lost their jobs and the elderly.”
Thank you all again. Keep safe and God bless,
David and Eve
The following website will help with cash donations, single or regular:
https://middlesbrough.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money/
(The Give.net scheme (a non-profit-making charity itself) suggested on the above website, charges a 3% administration fee. You can avoid this by adopting one of the other schemes mentioned on the website which I reproduce here):
DIRECT PAYMENTS
You can make one-off or regular donations directly into our bank account using these details:
- Sort code: 08-92-99 (Co-operative Bank)
- Account number: 65603002
- Account name: Middlesbrough Foodbank
REGULAR GIVING:
We believe in creating sustainable projects that have a lasting impact. Your regular gifts enable us to plan ahead and commit to projects. It’s also an easy way to manage your giving.
To set up a standing order by post, please download this standing order form and send it to Middlesbrough Foodbank, 5 Wear Court, Wallis Road, Skippers Lane Ind. Est., Middlesbrough, TS6 6DU.
31st March 2020