Harwich Haven Authority’s chief executive urges businesses to support the local community through their corporate social responsibility programmes as the Covid-19 pandemic worsens

20 March 2020

Harwich Haven Authority has reached out to support the town’s foodbank as their regular donations continue to dry up.

Over the past week many members of the community have been focused on ensuring that they have ample supplies in case they are required to self-isolate and as a result donations to the Harwich Foodbank have dropped dramatically.

“We know that the situation is very likely to worsen and through our corporate social responsibility programme we have been able to fund the running of the foodbank for 6-8 weeks,” says Neil Glendinning, Chief Executive, Harwich Haven Authority.

“It is obvious that over the coming weeks and months that the vital service the foodbank provides could be used even more by residents.

“Many larger businesses in the local area will have community funds and giving programmes that could be utilised by community groups in Harwich and I urge them all to support if they can.”

Lami Breader, Harwich Foodbank Manager commented: “I left our premises in the Morrisons car park last Friday with not one item on our shelves.

“I was stressed all weekend to the point of tears worrying about how we would be able to support our customers. The thought of going in on Tuesday to bare shelves was just too much.

“Over the weekend I did a few shout outs on Facebook and my faith in humanity returned when donations started to arrive on Tuesday morning.  I then received a call from Harwich Haven Authority who offered financial support to get us through this difficult period. Myself and my staff were ecstatic, and it has taken a lot of pressure of us. We can’t thank them enough.”