Around 50 different businesses, community groups and local schools have come together to support vulnerable people with donations of food and supplies during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Local supporters from the community have donated to Leamington-based charity Helping Hands, to help the most vulnerable during the crisis.
Donations have gone towards helping to furnish houses for people who have been re-homed during lockdown, including homeless people and domestic abuse survivors.
The charity, which furnishes ten properties on average per week through the House to Home scheme, is relying on donations to buy new rugs, furniture, mattresses and kitchenware with volunteers unable to collect previously-owned items safely during lockdown.
Donations from local companies such as Aston Martin have included brand new cookers, toasters and kettles for those that have moved into permanent unfurnished accommodation.
There have also been donations of support from companies across the area including Wright Hassall, Deeley Group, Comtech, Lime Recruitment and Warwick Castle which have gone towards helping to house and feed vulnerable people in the community.
Other donations have gone towards the Chef’s Helping Hands project, which aims to continue their work feeding over 1518 vulnerable people a week with food donated by local businesses including Aubrey Allen, New Bowling Green in Warwick, Coffee Architects, and Café 31 in Warwick who donated commercial fridge and freezers for all the food supplies.
Lianne Kirkman who runs Helping Hands, said: “We are so grateful for all the support we have received during these difficult times that is allowing us to continue supporting those most in need.
“We have been working with the Council, the Salvation Army and LWS night shelter to support the most vulnerable during this crisis to provide safe permanent homes, as part of a council-led Housing First project and Helping Hand has been able to contribute through the House2home project by providing essential household items.
“Without being able to collect pre-owned furniture donations during lockdown, our supplies were very limited, but these donations have allowed us to buy brand new equipment for those who have been re-homed during lockdown.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to all the businesses, schools, and community groups who have donated to our projects. Without them, these vulnerable people would not have the basic items they need to survive, so any additional donations are always appreciated.”
Mark Ryder, Strategic Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, added: “The hard work of Helping Hands supports the community’s most vulnerable year-round, but at times like these this support is needed now more than ever.
“The Warwickshire community has shown its support with so many different businesses, schools and community groups pledging their help wherever they can.
“The response from these groups says a lot about our community as a whole and it’s wonderful to see such a response."
To donate to Helping Hands, visit http://tinyurl.com/donatetoHHLeam
The full list of businesses, schools and community groups involved in the projects includes:
Local schools including Round Oak School, King Henry VIII School, Warwick School, St Joseph’s in Whitnash and St Michael’s in Bishops Itchington have all offered support, whilst community groups including the Leamington Round Table, St Mary’s Hall Trust, Muslim Ahmadiya Association, Evelyn’s Gift and the Midland Langa Seva donated.
Other businesses involved in the projects include Waitrose, Costa Coffee, 3pinnovation, Amante Del Cibo, Fitness Worx, Entegra, Tescos, The Bowling Green, Warrens of Warwick, Neighbourly, Unison Coventry & Warwickshire Combined Health
There have also been donations of support from companies across the area including Wright Hassall, Deeley Group, Comtech, Lime Recruitment and Warwick Castle which has gone towards helping to house and feed vulnerable people in the community.
Aubrey Allen, Waitrose, The Star & Garter in Leamington, The Moorings, The Punchbowl, Coffee Architects, and Café 31 in Warwick are all involved along with Neighbourly, Unison Coventry and Warwickshire Combined Health, Holiday Inn, The Old Library, JLR, The Drawing Board, Sarah Horne Florist, SECRO, IRESS, Black Pepper Software, Morrisons, Vue Cinema Leamington, Aldi, Waitrose, National Grid, Booker and Compass Food Group.