Knowsley businesses get behind foodbank call for help

Knowsley Chamber of Industry & Commerce has put its weight and business network to action this month to answer a cry for help from Knowsley foodbanks, through The Big Help Project.

Whilst the Chamber has had to put their own regular events, networking and courses on hold during the pandemic, that hasn’t stopped the team from supporting their members and the wider Knowsley businesses and third sector community.

At the beginning of April, The Big Help Project, (a Chamber member) approached Knowsley Council and Knowsley Chamber for help as their stocks dropped to critically low levels.

Peter Mitchell CEO, The Big Help Project, said: “Although the Coronavirus crisis prompted many generous offers of support from big-hearted Knowsley residents, the level of daily donations dropped off dramatically as people isolated in their homes. At the same time the number of people that we feed a week rose from around 500 to 2000!!  As you can tell we have needed support to maintain our stock levels. We are grateful for the continued help and support from our friends at Knowsley Chamber”

On 1 April, The Big Help Project, joined forces with Knowsley Council and Knowsley Chamber to coordinate a call to local businesses for help, particularly for the most urgent items.

Over a period of just 10 days, 60 Knowsley-based businesses answered the call and came forward with generous donations of food items, daily essentials and cash donations.

Knowsley businesses have now helped to improve stocks of vital items such as; tinned meat; UHT milk; squash/juice; dried pasta; tinned potatoes; tinned fruit and other essentials such as toilet rolls.

This support has helped The Big Help Project to continue delivering food parcels to hundreds of local families suffering hardship as a result of the Coronavirus epidemic.

The team at Knowsley Chamber has also backed the campaign with personal donations by the team which has been matched by Knowsley Chamber. A further £80 worth of essential food items from the Chamber was delivered this week. A total of £250 worth of support.

Lesley Martin-Wright, Chief Executive, Knowsley Chamber, said: “At a time of real hardship for many businesses I have been amazed at the response and level of support our members have offered. The Chamber team decided to donate too as we were all inspired by the kind donations that came flooding in from our members. The response from Knowsley businesses has been fantastic and is a great example of Knowsley Better Together”.

The Big Help Project still need donations. Their work continues every day. If you can donate essential food items or other daily essentials please email Knowsley Chamber/Invest Knowsley on: business@knowsley.gov.uk