A Warwickshire foodbank will be able to reach vulnerable people more easily after a leading law firm donated its time to agree a lease for a new warehouse and office space on its behalf.
Warwick District Foodbank is already moving its stocks of food into its new warehouse at Trident Business Centre after Wright Hassall negotiated a five-year lease on the premises for the organisation.
The charity will also move its office to the 190 m2 site after previously basing itself in a church hall.
Warwick District Foodbank is one of four local charities Wright Hassall is supporting as part of its bid to raise £17,500 to split between them to mark its 175th anniversary.
As such, Wright Hassall offered to negotiate on behalf of Warwick District Foodbank pro bono.
David Witham, chair of trustees at Warwick District Foodbank, said: “When the pandemic started, we had food stored all over the district, which made us less efficient.
“And as time went on during the first lockdown, we received more and more donations. We were very thankful to the public, but we found it difficult to find a suitable space for all the food.
“We started looking for premises in the autumn of 2020, and although the space at the Trident Business Centre wasn’t the cheapest, it was very well suited to our needs.
“We knew Wright Hassall was a well-regarded law firm in the area, and we were delighted when they donated their services to us for free.
“The lease was negotiated very quickly, and we’re hoping to start working there by the end of May.
“In an ideal world, we hope we won’t need to operate the foodbank after our lease expires, but the unit will help us reach vulnerable people in Warwick District much more quickly. We have to thank Wright Hassall for their excellent service and their generosity in providing their services for free.”
Kylie Cooper, Senior Associate in Commercial Real Estate at Wright Hassall, said: “The pandemic put a lot of pressure on the foodbank through increased demand and having to process more donations, so for it to have a bigger space will really help it operate more efficiently.
“And it’s also been tough for charities like Warwick District Foodbank to raise money over the last 12 months with many fundraising events cancelled.
“We’re very happy to have negotiated a five-year lease for the foodbank, and we hope it will serve them well in the coming months and years.”
Alongside Warwick District Foodbank, Wright Hassall is raising money for Tiny Tim’s Children’s Centre, Helping Hands Community Project, and Warwickshire Young Carers during its anniversary year.
The firm has also been appealing for the general public to carry out 175 acts of kindness in the community during 2021 – with the best each month receiving a £175 donation to the charity of their choice.
Sarah Perry, Managing Partner at Wright Hassall, added: “As part of Wright Hassall’s 175th anniversary, we wanted to focus on helping smaller, more local charities, whether through providing legal services pro bono or raising money directly for the charities.
“We’re really pleased Warwick District Foodbank is all set to move into Trident Business Centre, and we’re looking forward to continuing our charitable activities throughout the year.”
CAPTION – David Witham, chair of trustees at Warwick District Foodbank, (left) with Kylie Cooper, Senior Associate in Commercial Real Estate at Wright Hassall, outside Warwick District Foodbank’s new premises at Trident Business Centre