Greater Anglia customers and staff have helped provide more than 1,900 meals for people in crisis this winter, following a successful series of foodbank collections at stations across West Essex and Hertfordshire.
Donation points were available from 20 October to 14 December at Bishop’s Stortford, Harlow Town, Harlow Mill, Sawbridgeworth and Stansted Mountfitchet stations, giving customers the opportunity to support local communities by donating essential items while travelling.
In total, around 800kg of food was collected, equivalent to 1,904 meals for individuals and families accessing local foodbanks. Donations also included much needed toiletries, sanitary products and household essentials. A staff raffle raised an additional £210 to support the initiative.
Further funds were raised thanks to Greater Anglia Train Presentation colleague Lloyd Griffin, who played the electric organ at Bishop’s Stortford station and collected £305 in donations.
All items and funds raised were delivered to foodbanks in Harlow, Sawbridgeworth and Bishop’s Stortford, helping to ensure support reached people most in need during the winter period.
The initiative was organised by Michael King, a relief ticket office clerk at Sawbridgeworth and Stansted Mountfitchet stations. He was supported by colleagues including Harlow Town ticket office supervisor Paul Hall, train presentation team member Lloyd Griffin, and roster clerk Lorraine Portnow. Special thanks were also extended to Laura Todd, a Special Educational Needs and Disability Careers Advisor at Essex County Council, who made a generous personal contribution.
Michael King, event organiser and Relief Ticket Office Clerk at Sawbridgeworth and Stansted Mountfitchet stations, said: “I would like to thank everyone who donated and showed such generosity throughout the collection period.
“It has been brilliant to see how much has been raised again this year, and every single donation will make a real difference to people who need support in our local communities.”
Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, added: “We are extremely grateful for the kindness shown by both our customers and colleagues. The response has been fantastic, and it is something we are very proud of.
“It means a great deal to know that this support will reach local people and families who need it most.”
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