SARH staff launch food parcel campaign

Employees at Stafford’s largest provider of affordable homes have launched a campaign to help the most vulnerable families in the communities they serve.

Every year Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) staff raise thousands of pounds for worthy causes but in 2017 they have elected to concentrate their charitable efforts on donating food parcels for families in need.

The move follows a successful appeal in the run up to Christmas, which saw dozens of parcels donated in response to a campaign by a local Lions group.

Jo Hough, Director of Organisational Development at the housing association, explained: “As an organisation we have seen the impact of welfare reforms on the most vulnerable members of the community and we are all aware of the growth of food banks in recent years.

“The appeal for food and toiletries from the Lions really struck a chord with us and when staff were asked to vote on which charity to support this year, they decided that they wanted to help the community directly by continuing to donate essential items to those who may be struggling to put food on the table.

“Steph Burrows, a PA to the SARH directors and the winner of our 2016 ‘Aspiring for Excellence’ staff award, helped to promote the idea and by voting to do this her colleagues now have the opportunity to show how much they really do care about the people they serve.”

In 2015 SARH staff raised more than £3,000 for A Child of Mine, a charity supporting bereaved parents, and now they are hoping to at least match this in terms of value. A scanner will be used to tally up the price of the goods as they are collected from baskets located across the organisation’s headquarters in Parker Court, Stafford.

Parcels will then be distributed to SARH customers in particular need, with surplus donations being donated to established food banks. Through the year there will also be collections around seasonal themes, such as chocolate eggs at Easter for children who wouldn’t normally be able to enjoy such treats.

“We’ve already had a lot of donations and the baskets are filling up fast,” Jo added. “I’m sure the SARH team will once again raise to our charity challenge and provide a lifeline for many families who turn to us and we will, of course, treat any requests for help with total discretion.”

Pictured collecting food and other essentials for vulnerable families are (left to right): Keira Morton, Income Services Team Leader; Jo Hough, Director of Organisational Development; and Steph Burrows, PA to the Directors.