By Damon Cooper
The true spirit of Christmas dashed through Farsley as a special visitor made Santa’s little helpers out of those who donated for a unique food bank drive.
Collecting for the Leeds North and West Food Bank, the initiative has raised £1,150 via Give As You Live and collected a huge haul of food on the night to feed hungry mouths this winter.
The sleigh, a decorated pick up van provided by Rodley Scaffolding, travelled from Sunny Bank Mills through various streets in Farsley and stopped off at four houses along the way for children whose parents won a competition for an early festive gift from Santa.
This was all to collect resources for Leeds North and West Food Bank, who provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to people who are referred to them in crisis as part of a nationwide network of food banks, supported by The Trussell Trust.
It was organised by the mostly Sunny Bank Mills-based team featuring Cassie and Alex from Saint Jude’s and Grumpy’s Bar and Wood Fired Pizza, Calverley & Farsley Neighbourhood Host For Leeds 2023 Alaina from Baere Accessories, plus C, Sarah Sax from Farsley Fire & Smoke and Paul from Rodley Scaffolding.
Grumpy’s Bar + Wood Fired Pizza said after the event: “Thank you SO MUCH Farsley!
“You’ve done yourselves and Leeds North And West Foodbank proud! What an absolutely incredibly generous haul of essential food and festive treats for people in crisis. An extra special thank you to all the volunteers who skipped through the streets in the freezing cold for two and a half hours to collect this lot! We’re not crying, you are. Merry Christmas you wonderful people!”
Calverley & Farsley councillor Peter Carlil posted on Facebook: “Despite the cold I thoroughly enjoyed the walk round seeing the delight as Santa approached, and the sheer amount kindly donated by #Farsley – made even better by the fantastic volunteers and the entertainment!”
People can access food banks by securing a foodbank voucher from a relevant local agency such as Citizens Advice, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and some local charities.
Foodbank centres aim to offer a non-judgemental service in a cafe-style or comfortable environment that is accessible to all.
More information on Leeds North and West Foodbank can be found here.
Sponsored content
