Today our Advent Calendar window opens for Redeem Funds, a ‘not for profit’ Christian organisation, set up to fight against poverty and to help, support, and provide for destitute people regardless of caste, creed, and colour. Redeem Funds work in partnership with Fareshare to collect surplus food from various supermarkets, to redistribute the food to families in our community.
We popped in to see them at their base at 90 Cowper Road, to say hello to Mary, their co-founder and secretary. A couple of their volunteers had just arrived from collections and were setting up food crates in their pergola food store, and a client had also turned up to see what was available, but they still had time to talk to us, and told us on video what they do:
Covid has massively impacted the lives of many people around the world. Seeing a greater need in Northamptonshire, RedeemFunds set up a food bank and has been distributing food parcels fortnightly to many families in the Wellingborough area, as well as providing emergency food parcels for families in need. Currently, they are providing food parcels to more than 30 families, who have been referred from either Northamptonshire Adult Social Services or Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Centre, on regular basis and the need is growing day by day.
“Redeem Funds are doing a brilliant job by donating food parcels for families in needed within the community and utilising food that would otherwise be thrown away. Not only is this helping families in need, but also helping to save the planet by reducing waste – a win win situation!”
John Freeman
So far they have managed to save 14,684 kg food going into landfill and tackled food poverty for lots of local people. Their regular supply of fresh fruits, veggies and breads has helped many families in need. The fresh food is available at their pergola food store, where they simply ask people to just take what they need and for a suggested donation so that they can support more families in need with food parcels.
Redeem Funds are also very active in the community. They will be co-hosting Christmas Dinner today at St. Marks Church, Queensway, for our elderly ones who are by themselves during this festive season; they regularly support UP2U Youth Club at St. Mark’s Church with fresh fruits, pastries and veggies, and they support Wellingborough Eco Group’s Swap Shop every week, with excess food available for free on Tuesday afternoons, from 2-6, at Glamis Hall’s Community Room.
Christmas is a time of sharing love and showing kindness, as Redeem Funds have done all year. Please do support them with donations for their foodbank or get in touch with them if you need support. Find them on Facebook or visit them at 90 Cowper Road, Wellingborough.