CAMBRIDGE City Food Bank, Cambridge Sustainable Food and Cambridge City Council are working together for the third time to deliver Christmas hampers and gifts to local families – and are inviting individuals and businesses to donate to support the appeal.
Thanks to the generous support of local people over the last month, more than 700 hampers with Christmas food supplies have already been pledged through Cambridge City Food Bank’s Christmas Hamper appeal. In addition to the hampers, the partners also want to provide fresh produce and a gift for each family.
Individuals and businesses could donate a gift, fresh food or money to support the project.
Donate a gift
A gift will be included with each food hamper. In most cases this will be a game for the family to play together. Younger families will be gifted a more suitable toy for young children. Please select a gift from the selection listed on the Christmas Hamper wish list on the Lighthouse Toys or John Lewis websites; or buy a non-gendered game that you love.
All gifts need to be delivered to Clay Farm Centre, Hobson Square, Trumpington, Cambridge, CB2 9FN, between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday. Alternatively, gifts can be delivered to other Cambridge City Council community centres or buildings by arrangement. Please contact the team in advance to ensure you don’t have a wasted journey.
Donate fresh produce
Individuals or businesses wishing to donate fresh fruit or vegetables can do so by contacting Louise Baker at Cambridge Sustainable Food. Email louise@cambridgesustainablefood.org
Donate money
If you would like to make a financial donation to support this project, please make a bank transfer to: Cambridge Sustainable Food C.I.C, Account number: 20393425, Sort Code: 60-83-01, Reference: Xmas.
Cllr Alex Collis, Executive Councillor for Open Spaces, Food Justice and Community Development, said: “As well as being a time for families to get together and enjoy some time away from the busyness of school and work, we know the festive period can heap additional pressure on families, and especially those who are already struggling to make ends meet. For many families things are looking particularly tough this Christmas due to the cost of living crisis, so if we can ease the pressure on families in the run-up to Christmas, we want to.”
Margaret Saner, CEO, Cambridge City Food Bank, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has already pledged to fill our hampers this year. Our hope is that by extending the appeal to include gifts we’ll be able to bring some extra joy to families, with a game to play together or a new toy for little ones. If people are able to help in any way, we will make sure it all gets to those who need it.”
Sam Dyer, CEO, Cambridge Sustainable Food, said: “The response to the food hamper appeal has been fantastic. A big part of our work, and that of our partners, is to make sure that everyone can access nutritious food year-round. We’re aiming to provide fresh fruit and vegetables as part of the Christmas hamper campaign again this festive season. Initiatives like this are central to achieving food justice for all and we hope that it will make the holiday season a little brighter for many families in our city.”
