The cost-of-living crisis continues to affect those most vulnerable in society. The Salvation Army Foodbank based on Harrington Street in Preston is at the forefront of helping those who are in need at this difficult time. This is proving to be a growing challenge however.
At a time when donations have fallen, the demand for help has increased. Referrals for help to the Salvation Army Foodbank have risen from 40 to 65 cases per week in early months of 2023. That has increased the need to stock up with food and other essentials. Over the same period, the foodbank has had to increase the number of grocery bags that it distributes from 200 to 300 per week.
Set against this growing challenge, the Freemasons from all lodges based at Preston Masonic Hall have donated £2,100 towards the cost of acquiring the much-needed food and other provisions. The Chairman of Preston Group John Rimmer visited the foodbank to hand over the cheque to Dominic Eaton, but more importantly, to understand the growing need.
The Masons of the Preston Group want to offer even more help when they can. Masons have a long-standing mantra, ‘To be ever-mindful of the needs of others’, and they certainly are.
Coincidently, the Centre Manager Claire Bowerman was in the process of placing a large order with the warehouse that the charity uses. She told John that the donation of £2,100 would be enough to cover the cost of that order alone. Claire took John to see the stockroom where the racks were filling up with bags ready for distribution. The stores though were quite depleted and ready for the order that she was placing. It was a timely but humbling visit.