WORKERS from British Gas who have been furloughed during the Coronavirus pandemic have been volunteering to help get food to those who desperately need it.
More than 3,000 employees have been supporting their local Trussell Trust Foodbanks across the country, including Malvern, Worcester, Droitwich, Redditch, Pershore and Alcester.
The energy provider has set up a distribution network, working from 20 depots to deliver pallets of food and essentials to more than 400 food banks each week throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
Lewis Solway, British Gas’ Regional HSE Manager, thanked Jim Cottom who was organising the deliveries from Birmingham and to all the leaders and engineers delivering to Worcestershire and the Second City.
“It is great for all of us living locally, to support our local communities as much as we can.
“We’re all in this together and I’d like to say a big thank you to all of our local NHS staff, key workers and our engineers working to keep us all safe.”
Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust praised British Gas and the other companies which have helped during the pandemic, including Sainsbury’s, The Entertainer, Palletforce and XPO Logistics.
She said: “This unique partnership beautifully articulates how society is pulling together in the fight against Covid-19.
“All these organisations have inovatively adapted their services to support the people most in need during this challenging time, and we are truly grateful they are helping foodbanks to continue to provide their essential community service.
“But ultimately, no one should need to use a food bank.
“We want to ensure that this community spirit, of supporting one another during difficult times, continues long after this pandemic, so we can create a society where everyone can buy their own food.”
