Albrighton Community Fridge - volunteers needed

[Albrighton]

I am sure that many of you will be familiar with Albrighton Community Centre half way up Dog Kennel Hill, opposite Sainsburys. As well as being a venue for parties, we host a number of activities through the week particularly for pre-school children, their families and carers. For a little over two years now we have also been running a Community Fridge. It was the first in London and the largest I believe in the country.

The Community Fridge network has been set up across the country as a waste reduction project, where food retailers, wholesalers and even private individuals can donate unwanted food for others to have free of charge. Food is donated each day. We generally have to collect from the food outlets we work will. It is then transported to the community centre and prepared for people to come later in the day to help themselves to what they need. The preparation can simply be washing, or sometimes repackaging is needed. The food is a mixture of long and short life, so unlike food banks we provide fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled produce, fresh meat and fish, as well as longer life foods.

Anyone can come along and get food, whatever their circumstances. We don't turn people away because they don't have the right paperwork, or because they have been too many times. The food is there for anyone who needs it.

So, we have food. We have people who need the food. What we really need is volunteers who can spare an hour or two each week to help us, either to collect, or to prepare the food.

It is incredible rewarding work, you immediately see the benefit to others of the time you contribute. It doesn't require any specialist knowledge or skills and we are delighted to have volunteers who can give time, however little or however infrequent. If you are able to help we would love to hear from you.

The fridge is open weekdays, and most of the work takes place late mornings and early afternoons.

Thank you

Steve

Albrighton Centre

0207 737 6186

[siousxiesue]

I'll PM you, used to volunteer with FareShare and it was so rewarding, literally handing over food to people in need.

[Jacqui5254]

Albrighton Community Fridge is a fantastic asset to this area.

Giving food to anyone in need and never turning someone away should be lauded.

[Albrighton]

Thank you siousxiesue it is incredible rewarding. At times it can be very upsetting to see the circumstances that people find themselves in, but we are able to do a little to make an immediate difference to those circumstances, and no one leaves without food.

[Albrighton]

@Jacqui5254 - thank you. I have said many times that of all the different things we do at Albrighton, the Community Fridge is one of the best projects we have ever run. It is an incredible worthwhile, and we see an immediate and very clear benefit from it and to re-iterate if anyone does have any spare time to give, even just as a one off, we would love to hear from you.

[crushedmango]

Hi Steve

I have several bags of non-perishable food to donate (dried goods, pasta, rice, baby food, etc).

When would be a good time to drop it off? I can come tomorrow morning (Monday) if that works.

Many thanks

Katie

[Albrighton]

Thank you very much, that?s so kind. Any time between 10.00am and 6.00pm today would be fantastic.

Thank you

Steve

Albrighton Centre

[Blondie]

I know that the centre is really in need of support at the moment, the pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on people, with an increased number in food poverty.

I figure if I'm not eating out that is money I'd otherwise be spending so this seems like a very good cause.

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/albrightoncommunitycentre

[sorchamr]

Hi do you still require volunteers sons are coming back from uni and will have time spare. Can not drive but can pack and help. Thanks Sorcha

[Albrighton]

Hello. Thank you for getting in touch. We would love some extra help. If you are able to, please give me a call at the centre and we can have a chat about things

Thank you

Steve

Albrighton Centre

0207 737 6186

[Dulwich Born And Bred]

Admin, why is this in the Lounge?!

[Albrighton]

.... the place to relax and chat about anything ....

[siousxiesue]

I've sent an email to the last contact I had? Jackie?

[Dulwich Born And Bred]

Seems silly to put an important post that is based in SE22 in The Lounge.