Bondholders rally to support food poverty campaign

Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance has expressed its delight after receiving its largest ever food donation thanks to developer Wavensmere Homes.

Earlier this month, the charity issued an urgent appeal for donations at a Marketing Derby Bondholder breakfast event, hosted by Wavensmere at Derby County’s Pride Park Stadium.

To show its support, Wavensmere, which is the company behind the £175 million Nightingale Quarter scheme, arranged for three tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables to be delivered to the charity.

Paul Brookhouse, manager of DF4TA, said: “It’s amazing to receive such a large quantity of fruit and vegetables. This is fantastic support.”

James Dickens, managing director at Wavensmere Homes, which is also the company behind the proposed transformation of Friar Gate Goods Yard, said: “I was delighted to be able to help with such a fantastic cause.

“At Wavensmere, we believe in going further than just a donation. Being able to use our network in this way means we are able to do more for the people that need it.

“Derby has been incredibly kind to us, and this is part of a much wider effort from Wavensmere to the city and its residents.”

DF4TA, which is based in Charnwood Street, supported 40,000 people in Derby during the cost-of-living crisis.

It needs £10,000 a month to purchase food for its vital food support service, but recently funds have been running low.

At the Bondholder breakfast, DF4TA launched its 100 Club, asking 100 businesses to sign up and commit to supporting the charity by giving £100 a month – for the next 12 months.

Among the companies backing DF4TA is HUUB – and its chief executive and founder, Dean Jackson, is urging other businesses to get on board.

He said: “I have a saying and it is: ‘If you can – you should’. So, if you can help those in need of life’s basics, like food, then you should help.

“If you can support great people like the team at DF4TA, then you should.

“Why? Because we can’t always go through life taking and not giving. The work undertaken by Paul and his team is invaluable.”

Both Wavensmere Homes and HUUB have been praised by Councillor Baggy Shanker, leader of Derby City Council, for supporting the charity.

He said: “DF4TA provides a much-needed service to some of our most vulnerable families across the city.

“Personally, I would hope we reach a time when this service isn’t required but while there is need, we all must do what we can to support.

“I have been extremely humbled by the response so far from Derby’s business community.

“Leaders like Dean Jackson at HUUB, and James Dickens at Wavensmere Homes have been remarkably generous, thoughtful, and active in supporting the cause, as well as encouraging their businesses colleagues to join in this effort.”

Lindsey Hatfield, commercial development manager at Marketing Derby, said: “The Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance does an amazing job to help families across Derby and the 100 Club is a perfect opportunity for businesses to get involved with the local charity.

“So many people now rely on foodbank support, and we are aware that these numbers are going up. Let’s get behind Paul and the charity and do what we can to help.”

Businesses interested in supporting the DF4TA 100 Club campaign can contact Paul on 01332 227730 or e-mail info@df4ta.com.

Words and pictures supplied courtesy of Nielsen McAllister. Visit their website here.