A Cardiff community food service has received a donation from Wales’ largest building society, to help it provide items to households who may be in financial difficulty.
Principality Building Society’s Rumney branch has donated the funds for two large refrigeration units to the Llanrumney Hall Community Trust’s local pantry service, which provides food to those who may find it difficult to afford a weekly shop.
For £5 a visit, members of the community can access at least 10 items from the pantry, usually worth up to £25, including freshly made meals, fresh fruit and vegetables and other household essentials. The pantry, which is staffed by local volunteers, has seen a huge demand for the service since opening in October.
The donation came about through Business in the Community’s (BITC) National Business Response Network, which helps community groups source donations, volunteering and support from businesses.
With the aim of mitigating and preventing poverty in east Cardiff, the Llanrumney Hall Community Trust was set up to provide a thriving community hub, which, as well as the community pantry, provides teaching facilities, space for community clubs and a garden to grow food for the pantry.
Sam Holt, Community Development Manager at Llanrumney Hall Community Trust said:
“Seeing the community, local businesses and organisations coming together to support Llanrumney Hall Pantry has turned it into something special. The pantry has now become the fastest growing community pantry in the UK. I can’t say thank you enough for all the support we have received, together we are making a difference to people’s lives.’’
As well as the donation towards the community pantry, Principality has also made use of its unused office chairs by donating them to support the teaching facilities at the Trust.
Lucy Patten, Senior Customer Consultant at Principality Building Society’s Rumney branch, said:
‘’We know it’s been a very difficult year for communities across Wales. We’re proud to be supporting the Llanrumney Hall Community Trust, who are using the donation to make a real difference to their community, by providing access to essential items for little cost.’’
Sue Husband, Director at Business in The Community Wales, said:
‘’It is great to see Principality Building Society demonstrating what it means to be a responsible business in Wales. Once again, they are stepping up to support their local community, at this time of unprecedented need. Thank you to Lucy and the team from the Society’s Rumney branch for responding so positively and practically to the request for help and to Principality Building Society for showing what a positive impact business can have in their local community.’’
