Brunel Group’s employees have shown true heart during the lockdown by starting a fundraiser for two local food banks to give back to those who are vulnerable or in need of additional support in the community. Brunel Group initially aimed to raise £200 to be split 50/50 between Weston Food Bank and the pop-up bank at Ilminster Nursery in Knowle, Bristol, where Brunel’s own CEO was raised. However, the response from the Brunel team was rapid, donating without hesitation which meant their original goal of £200 was met within the first hour. The total amount raised reached £620. Following this, Brunel Group matched the team’s donations adding a further £620 bringing the grand total to a staggering £1,240 for Weston and Knowle food banks.
Brunel’s fundraising comes at a time where so many families are struggling to make ends meet, with food banks being relied on more than ever before. With recent reports showing surges in the use of food banks during lockdown and a usage rise of 13% from last year, families are relying on the goodwill of charities and community food banks more over the past 12 weeks.
Jonathan Filer, Director at Brunel Group said, ‘At the Brunel Group we have been fortunate enough to be able to avoid furloughing our staff and very quickly implement a working from home strategy. Our directors and staff are acutely aware that this has been an extremely tricky time for so many, and the response we have had internally for this fundraise has been very touching. We are delighted to be able to split a donation of £1,240 to two separate foodbanks, one close to our Glentworth office in Weston-super-Mare and another in the Bristol where our head office is located. At Brunel we are always happy to support local charities and initiatives and hope our donation can go some way to helping those less fortunate in these difficult times.’
Matt Caldwell, Head Teacher at Ilminster Nursery, and one of the recipients of Brunel’s donation said, ‘Since the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown Ilminster Avenue Nursery has continued to provide food parcels to the most vulnerable families in our communities. To date we have given out over 300 parcels. We have had the help of Fare Share but also kind donations from the public and businesses. Through Brunel’s kind donation we will buy dry foods such as pasta, tins and cereal to supplement our fresh donations. On behalf of the youngest and most vulnerable families in Knowle West we pass on our sincere thanks for such a kind donation.’
Each food bank will receive £620 each in donations from Brunel Group to enable them to stock up on the essentials for local families in need of additional support. Brunel continues to seek ways to support the local community during this difficult time.
