Asda grant helps food bank provide Christmas hampers and New Year party

Our Enniskillen store's community champion Simon Harron surprised a local food bank with a £1,000 Asda Foundation grant to help pay for hampers for people in need this Christmas.

Simon regularly volunteers at the food bank and nominated it to receive a Christmas grant from the Asda Foundation.

The centre's manager Sharon West said the funding is crucial to the group, as they'll be delivering more than 230 hampers over the festive period. The money will also go towards a special get-together on New Year's Eve, when the centre will host a meal at a nearby restaurant for guests and volunteers before heading back to the food bank for games and entertainment.

Sharon said: "The donation from the Asda Foundation will allow us to help some of the most vulnerable families in the local community. From providing food through our hamper delivery to hosting a special get–together on New Year’s Eve, it will be a celebration for our long–term service users and volunteers.

"We aim to not only provide essential supplies of food but also help individuals and families by offering cooking lessons, employment advice and money management lessons to get them back on their feet. This donation will ensure we can support all of those who come to us for help this Christmas."

Simon said: "I really enjoy volunteering with the food bank throughout the year so it was extra special to be able to fund their activities this Christmas through the donation.

"The party is set to be a great evening of food and fun – and the perfect way to start 2018 for the service users who will attending, as well as for the volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to helping their local community."