More than 100 adults and children will receive emergency support through a foodbank after a collection day was held with the help of employees at business water retailer Water Plus.
The business worked with Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank to help collect over a tonne of food in just one day.
It was part of a volunteering programme launched in 2022 by Water Plus, which has its main office in Stoke-on-Trent.
It has led to a big increase in activities in communities in Staffordshire, and other areas of England and Scotland, throughout the last 12 months.
In total, more than 115 volunteer days have been delivered.
Caroline Wolfe, of Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank, who was joined by Water Plus volunteers for the food collection day, said: “The Water Plus volunteers greeted shoppers, handing out lists of the items that we are short of in our warehouse, giving people the opportunity to support others in need of emergency food locally.
“Their friendly enthusiasm helped us collect over a tonne of food in just one day, across two locations, which means 106 people will be fed.
“This will help us support the many coming to us at this challenging time. We’re currently supporting nearly 2,000 people per month, 40 per cent of these children, with nearly 15 tonnes of food, so the support of people in communities, including businesses – and the Water Plus employees – is essential.”
All employees at Water Plus have the opportunity to do one day of volunteering each year. Some supported Stoke-on-Trent Pride, while others did litter picks in Cumbria and Scotland and in green spaces in Stoke-on-Trent.
Others took part in a career’s day supporting a Staffordshire school this year. Tree care and creating more than 10 habitats for wildlife in green spaces around Stoke-on-Trent have also been included in the 2023 action by Water Plus employees.
Jamie Gibson, Managing Director of SME and Small Corporates at Water Plus, was one of the volunteers in 2023. He said: “We wanted to help a range of local community groups and areas, including those that have links to water and that are taking steps to help the environment during 2023.
“Giving something back to the local community is so rewarding, plus it’s where many of our colleagues and their families live, so it’s great for them too.”
