21,000 items delivered to Bedford Foodbank

Blues Foundation are delighted to announce that an estimated 21,000 items have been donated to Bedford Foodbank to help those in the local community who need it most this Christmas.

Last Saturday, Blues Foundation and Bedford Blues once again partnered together to organise the collection on behalf of Bedford Foodbank at Goldington Road.

The level of support and generosity from the #BluesFamily was overwhelming with over 200 supporters heading to Bedford’s premier sporting venue to make their contribution, ensuring families across Bedfordshire receive those necessary items which they otherwise would have gone without.

Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood was then joined on Monday by PA to the Board of Trustees, Susie White; Bedford Blues COO, Gareth Alred; Bedford Blues Media Manager, Ryan Robinson and Bedford Blues second row, Oli Curry to deliver the donated items to Bedford Foodbank at their main office in Manton Heights.   

Similar collections by Bedford Junior Blues, who collected on Sunday at their training base at Bedford Athletic RFC, and across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes have also been dropped off to Bedford Foodbank.

Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood said: “We are so grateful for all the support from the Bedford Blues supporters and from various other organisations, like Bedfordshire Young Farmers, who have donated so many items to the collection.

“It’s fantastic to see the support from the local community which allows us to give something back to those in our local area who may be struggling at this time.”

NGO charity The Trussell Trust anticipates the use of foodbanks is set to soar to record levels this year as a result of the financial strain caused by COVID19 and Blues Foundation are so proud to have made such a substantial difference across Bedfordshire.

Contained within the 21,000 items donated were some of the most in demand items requested by Bedford Foodbank, notably nappies, tinned products, toiletries and Christmas selection boxes. The donation of these items goes directly towards aiding those struggling with the cost of food and essential items this Christmas.

Blues Foundation would like to place on record its thanks to all the volunteers who have helped throughout this process with publicising the event, managing on the day and organising the foodbank donations.