Charity under threat as donations plummet (From Salisbury Journal)

Charity under threat as donations plummet

8:08am Friday 7th July 2006 in News By Jill Harding

SALISBURY charity the Trussell Trust and Food Bank is "fearful for the future" after seeing the number of donations it receives plummet.

There is just a few days supply of food left on the shelves at the charity's Bemerton Heath headquarters and Paddy Henderson, who established the trust nine years ago, said that the financial situation is looking bleak.

"We have never been in a position like this before we are in dire straits," he said.

"We are fearful for the future we are determined not to go under but this is a real threat."

A combination of declining support and increased demand have contributed to the Trust's problems which escalated following a move from its former outdated site on Middleton Road to a new base at St Michael's Church.

In 2004 the charity was the beneficiary of the mayor's appeal which provided a huge boost in fundraising but since then resources have dwindled.

"In some ways we have been the victim of our own success," said Mr Henderson.

"We have moved to these wonderful facilities in the area where we do so much of our work but people have forgotten about us.

"We have always relied on small donations and people passing by with a few cans of food but that support is drying up and it's very frightening because we have more people to help than ever before."

The Food Bank, which distributes emergency food to people in times of crisis, has been particularly badly hit.

From the beginning of April the Trust has fed 592 people with demand outstripping supply by 7,100 tins of food and the shelves are looking bare.

"Traditionally we do our large collections around Christmas and in the autumn because the summer is a quieter time," said Mr Henderson.

"But because of the disgrace of the family tax credit system, that has overpaid so many people who then saw money taken away from their benefits, there are people with no money for food."

The charity also supports a children's orphanage in Bulgaria in addition to delivering humanitarian aid and Christmas boxes to Roma communities living in appalling poverty.

Closer to home, the Trust's caf and Restore shop provide a lifeline for many isolated people and 70 volunteers enjoy social opportunities and the chance to put something back into the community.

"We are trying to remain buoyant and think of creative ways and projects to become more self sufficient," said Mr Henderson.

"Our mission is to remain committed to our projects forever, but we need the help of people in Salisbury to do it. We don't get government grants or funding we now need help like never before and this is a desperate appeal for money and food so we can continue to move forward and support our local community."

Donations to the Food Bank can be made in person at St Michael's Church or there will be a collection at Waitrose on Saturday, July 15.

Cheques, made payable to the Trussell Trust, can be sent to the Trussell Trust, St Michael's Community Centre, St Michael's Road, Bemerton Heath, Salisbury SP2 9LE.

SHOPPERS in Amesbury responded to the Trussell Trust's urgent appeal for food to top up depleted supplies at the Food Bank with donations of more than 356 kg of canned and dried foods.

The collection at the Co-op on June 17 will go towards emergency food boxes which the Trust distribute to people in crisis.

The Trust would be delighted to hear from anybody with time to spare to help at the collection day at Waitrose on July 15. If you can help, please contact Rachel Stanford on 01722 411244.