Organisers of a community project helping those in need during the pandemic have been able to reflect on a successful month since launching its latest hub in Ongar at Zinc Art Centre.
The 3Food4U charity has seen the number of families using the non-judgmental and non-assessed service rise every week as word has spread.
The hub has also been visited by Brentwood and Ongar MP Alex Burghart and North Weald councillor Jaymey McIvor.
Pesh Kapasiawala with Alex Burghart MP
After attending the opening, he said: “I was so pleased to join the amazing 3Food4U project at their launch in Ongar today. Thank you so much to all of the volunteers and generosity of our community for helping to make it happen. The social distancing measures in place were so impressive and many people commented on how safe and comfortable they felt.
“It was lovely to see so many familiar faces from North Weald as well as Ongar. Anyone can fall on hard times at any time. This community project makes everyone feel welcome.
“Thank you to everyone who made today possible. Especially the local volunteers, sponsoring local businesses and the team at Zinc. I can’t wait to see this project blossom in Ongar and across other communities.”
Cllr Kevin Piggott and volunteer Lesley Drewe
The project was also visited by the chairman of Ongar Town Council, Cllr Kevin Piggott, who was so impressed with 3Food4U’s ethos of treating and supporting people humanely with dignity and respect that he will be volunteering.
All of 3Food4U’s community surplus hubs continue to benefit from the support of their communities, including another generous donation received from The Good Companions charity represented by Silvia and Brian Dilloway,
The initiative is always looking for volunteers or donations. If you can help email info.3food4u@gmail.com, visit the website http://www.3food4u.org/ or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/3food4u/
There is also a fundraising page at https://www.give.net/3food4u
The project is supported by the Rotary Club of Loughton, Buckhurst Hill & Chigwell which is meeting on Zoom during lockdown.
Meetings take place at 7pm on Thursdays and everyone is welcome to attend.
If you would like to do so, contact Pesh on 020 8500 2527 / 07973 166940 or email pesh@londonresidential.co.uk
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