Pictured: Jolie Williams (centre), of Pertemps People
Development Group, joins Wendy Fryatt and volunteers at the Black
Country Food Bank
A charity celebrating five years of helping thousands of people
by distributing much-needed food, clothing and bedding has been
given support by generous workers.
The Black Country Food Bank was launched in 2006 when it fed 50
people during the year. In 2010 the charity fed 5,234 people but
believes it is still only scratching the surface of the level of
need within local communities.
It has received a donation of £500 from employees of
employment and training experts Pertemps People Development Group
(PPDG) which has offices across Birmingham, the Black Country and
Solihull.
PPDG regional operations director for Birmingham and the Black
Country Jolie Williams presented the cheque. The donation came from
PPDG's payroll giving scheme which gives thousands of pounds to
charities and other good causes annually.
The Halesowen-based Black Country Food Bank also operates from
centres in Walsall, Brierley Hill, Pensnett, Dudley, Stourbridge
and Lower Gornal.
Co-ordinator Wendy Fryatt, who established the charity, said:
"We are so grateful for the donation from Pertemps People
Development Group. It will help many local people have a better
Christmas and help them cope in these very difficult times.
"In five years we've gone from operating from a dining room
table to a 5,000 sq ft storage facility and eight distribution
centres. On one hand it is something to celebrate and an
achievement we are all immensely proud of. It is testament to the
hard work, dedication and faith everyone who has been involved with
us and supported us over the years have shown.
"On the other hand, our very existence is a sad reflection of
the times where thousands of families and children in the Black
Country continue to face real crisis. The need for what we do is
growing and the stories become more harrowing but we have faith
that with the continued support of our amazing volunteers,
churches, partners and the general public we will continue to be
there to support the people who will need our help in the months
and years to come."
PPDG's total donations to charities and good causes through its
award winning payroll-giving scheme recently broke the
£150,000 barrier. Around two thirds of employees are involved
in payroll deductions that benefit others less fortunate in the
community.
For more information about Pertemps People Development Group,
please visit their website here: www.ppdg.co.uk