Food Bank Heroes: Warwick’s Reverse Advent Calendar
This article will take approximately 2 minutes to read
Published 12 Dec 2023 in Colleagues
For six years now, remarkable colleagues Sarah Chapman and Mark Redgrave from head office have been doing good together by co-ordinating a reverse advent calendar to support the Warwick & District Food Bank. Specialist Services Account Manager Sarah shares her story.
How does the reverse advent calendar work?
In the build up to Christmas, traditionally we open an advent calendar door every day and get a chocolate.
The reverse advent calendar turns this on its head, putting the focus on giving to others rather than receiving something.
We ask colleagues to donate items of food during the collection period – 5 November to 15 December this year – which is then donated to Warwick & District Food Bank (part of the Trussell Trust).
The donations are used to create food parcels for families in time for Christmas.
Who can donate?
We communicate it to colleagues at head office and also invite the stores, nurseries and travel branches in Leamington to take part.
There are posters created and we let colleagues know what the food bank’s most wanted items are this year.
How much have you donated in previous years?
It’s always a really popular initiative. Last year, we were pleased to donate 1,135 items, which was just great.
How does the reverse advent calendar make a difference?
From a personal perspective, I love the fact that we can make a difference to families who are less fortunate.
It’s great seeing the smile on the customers’ faces, knowing they have food and taking away the worry of going hungry.
Why not make volunteering with your local food bank your New Year’s resolution? Already involved? Let us know about it through Count Me In.