Meeting includes speakers on plight of refugees and young mothers fleeing violence.
All volunteers, friends and supporters are warmly invited to attend the Food Hub’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 10th October at 7.00pm at Purley United Reformed Church.
It’s the opportunity to hear of the latest developments and the Trustees’ and Management Committee’s plans for the future. Guest speakers will include Jo Doherty, recently appointed Manager of Croydon Refugee Day Centre, and Sue Balmer, Co-Development Director, Happy Baby Community, which supports women who have fled from violence and trafficking and are pregnant or with a young child.
In his letter to the 12 voting members who represent Purley and Kenley Churches Together, Trevor Jones, Chair of Trustees, said the months from April 2022 to March 2023 “have been very busy with challenges for many in our community”.
He highlighted the winter months, with soaring energy costs and rising food inflation that added to the pressures on our clients.
This led to increased numbers at the Food Hub and at our partner organisations, said Trevor, adding:
- We have continued to use a great team of delivery drivers and escorts to get pre-packed supplies of food to clients referred to us by our Ticket Partners.
- Our small team of Client Support Volunteers have also felt increased demand, helping clients to find support. Many clients have very little in their homes.
- We continued our partnerships with the Food Stops at Old Lodge Lane Baptist Church, Purley, St Francis Church, Monks Hill, Selsdon, Fieldway Community Centre, New Addington, and The Vine Food Bank, New Addington, with continued support for The Link and Nightwatch.
The Food Hub’s 2022/2023 Annual Report is due to be published on 1st October. It will include reports by Trevor Jones, Louise Willmer, Joint Chair of the Management Committee, and the Board of Trustees, as well as a financial report and reflections by some of the Food Hub’s volunteers.