‘Hampers of Hope’ to aid local families

Melanie Gibson, foodbank manager, and her team of the Causeway Vineyard Foodbank pictured with Sheila Palmer of ASDA Coleraine who have made a donation to the Christmas appeal. INCR50-313PL

A project that provides local families in need with a Christmas food hamper, has been boosted by the Asda Foundation.

Last Christmas Causeway Foodbank in partnership with CAP (Causeway Coast Debt Centre) distributed 50 ‘Hampers of Hope’ to families in the Coleraine area.

Families recieving the hampers had connected with the Vineyard Foodbank or CAP throughout the year.

CAP offers hope and a solution to anyone in debt through its in-depth, confidential service.

The Foodbank provides short term, emergency food for individuals or families in crisis while a long-term strategy is developed.

Many clients to both services have been refered by frontline care professionals.

They are then issued a Food Voucher, that can then be exchanged for a food pack at any of the Causeway Foodbank Distribution centres.

This year, the volunteers involved in the project hope to double the number of hampers that they distribute, thanks to funding of £700 from the ASDA Foundation through ASDA Coleraine.

Melanie Gibson, Causeway Foodbank Manager explained: “We are aiming to make and distribute 100 ‘Hampers of Hope’ into the Causeway area this Christmas time.

“Our hampers contain lots of Christmas treats and staples, as well as some basic cupboard items to help people over the holiday period.”

Christmas can be a stressful and very expensive time for families.