Avon Reach care home in Mudeford supports Christchurch Food Bank

KIND-hearted care home residents have helped families in need over the summer holidays by teaming up with Christchurch Food Bank.

Avon Reach in Mudeford has been a hive of activity as residents sort donations and fill 40 gift bags that are then taken to the charity each Thursday morning.

Resident Josephine Salisse, who helped to prepare the packs, said: “It’s lovely to be able to help and support this local charity.”

The bags – 240 in total across the summer holidays – include sandwiches, fruit and snacks.

On receipt of the bags, the food bank team then allocate them to those in need, with priority given to families of children eligible for free school lunches in term time.

The contributions by Avon Reach residents come after they nominated the food bank as their main charity and community cause to support this year.

Home manager at Avon Reach, Ruth Wildman, said: “Our residents have long-standing community connections that they cherish.

“We do all we can to help them maintain those links and supporting the food bank is a prime example of that.”

Tracy Blick, manager of Christchurch Food Bank, said: “We are so grateful for donations and it is lovely to think that older generations are prepared to help.”

To mark the home’s 30th anniversary earlier this year, a cocktail party and auction in aid of the food bank was held. It was well attended by residents, their families and staff, and raised nearly £900.

A recent country and western-themed summer barbecue also raised £570 for the food bank.