BCHG’s core mission ‘A social business investing in people and communities’ comes to life not only from our continuous investment into our current and new affordable housing and supporting our customers, but also through our ambition to improve the lives of others in our locality.
A recent research by BBC, showed that at least 2.1 million people in the UK used a foodbank in the year to March 2022. The demand for foodbanks rose by 11% for families receiving state income-related benefits.
For the last two years we have been raising funds for our Charity of the Year, Breaking Bread Foodbank. The foodbank, based in Wednesbury, Sandwell, is independently run by volunteers and helps people in the community who are struggling to afford food. They accept donations such as non-perishable food, drinks and toiletries.
Our Staff Forum have ran a number of events including ‘Bake Off’ contests, raffles, tea parties and even virtual quizzes during lockdown to raise money for the foodbank. We also had collection boxes in our Head Office and other sites, where colleagues could donate any items.
Two of Breaking Bread’s volunteers, Lin and Joyce, shared that, unfortunately, there were cases of people who worked in 2-3 jobs or were employed full-time, but also had to rely on the foodbank, which shows the devastating impact of the current levels of inflation.
By the end of March 2023, we have raised the incredible amount of £10,500, which will aid the foodbank’s continued need during the ongoing Cost of Living crisis.
If you or your organisation would also like to raise funds for Breaking Bread, please get in touch with them here: Breaking Bread Food Bank
BCHG wants to continue to address the economic disadvantage in the Black Country and beyond, and has selected its new Charity of the Year – Leslie’s Care Packages C.I.C.
