Calderdale charities channelling kindness to beat festive season hunger

The Halifax Courier is urging readers to join in with the amazing work going on to help the area’s most vulnerable by backing our Give A Little Kindness campaign.

We will be highlighting the incredible efforts of charities, businesses, groups and individuals who are trying to make sure everyone has a reason to celebrate this year.

While Christmas is a time for many to enjoy, there are those in this borough who will struggle, and may face a Christmas time crippled by loneliness, or feel the pressure of economic hardship.

The pandemic has put an extra strain on so many this year, bringing extra financial, isolation and relationship strains.

Since the second lockdown came into force on November 5, food banks and charities have been working overtime to help those less fortunate including Halifax Community Fridge, in Gibbet Street, and Elland and District Food Bank, in Langdale Street.

Hassan Riaz, organiser at Halifax Community Fridge, said: “We’ve seen an increase in users during this second lockdwn compared to the first one in March.

“The Community Fridge usually closes at 3pm, but a lot of evenings have seen us stay open to help others in need.”

The ‘Fridge’ works with charities FareShare and Neighbourly, which provides food stock. The halifax-based food bank also collaberates with supermarket chains, including Aldi and Asda.

“It’s been common to see many of the Fridge’s users queuing outside the front doors at 10.30am, sometimes in the rain - which is difficult because we only open at noon,” said Mr Riaz.

“We’ll be open on Christmas and Boxing Day. The reason for this is in the hopes we can make sure no one goes without food, espeically on Christmas Day.

“Our service is there for everyone and anyone in the Calderdale community.”

Leading up to the second lockdown, the Community Foundation for Calderdale (CFFC) provided a Food Support Grant to the Elland and District Food Bank.

Ann Mansfield, secretary at Elland Food Bank, said: “The funding enabled us to provide food over the October half-term holiday for families, whose children would normally receive a free-school meal.”

The grant will also allow the the Elland team to provide food over the Christmas holiday period too.

The Elland food bank, which is open every Saturday morning until 11.45am, is now operating into its fifth year.

Ms Mansfield said: “Every week collections of food are made from Morrisons in Elland, Lidl in Sowerby Bridge and the Co-op in West Vale and we’re so very grateful for this support.

“The financial generosity of the community, individuals, faith groups and businesses continues to humble us as the people of Elland and District keep on giving, and supporting us. During the present Covid-19 crisis our numbers, following rising unemployment, have more than doubled since this time last year.”

Steve Duncan, CEO of the CFFC said: “We’re passionate about combatting hunger and are delighted to have so much support for our Never Hungry Again campaign.

“We’d like to say a massive thank you to Elland Food Bank for working with us, coming together and showing kindness and helping our community.”

We are keen to hear from you if you know any groups, businesses, or individuals who we should report on. If you do, please email: [email protected]