BUSINESSES in Reading have donated vital necessities to thousands of children as part of a summer drive.
Reading’s Business Improvement District has announced that businesses across the borough have donated in their droves to Brighter Futures for Children’s (BFfC) summer programme this year.
More than 80 boxes of food, clothes, and summer essentials were given to BFfC for their holiday activities and food programme.
This included more than 100 water bottles, 200 toothbrushes, 35 boxes of cereal, 200 cans of tinned food, 70kg of pasta, and 92 packs of sanitary products, among others.
Donations were collected from 16 of the largest multiple-occupancy office blocks in the town after Reading Business Improvement District (RBID) organised the drive in partnership with a number of companies.
Many of the companies volunteered to host donation points
Items will now be distributed through multiple providers as part of the summer programme, with items going to children eligible for pupil premium free school meals.
This means the donations will go to children most in need in the borough after being collected today (Monday, July 15).
The programme also holds a number of events and activities for children throughout the summer, as well as providing free lunch.
Alexa Volker, Reading BID Manager, said, “Reading BID is proud to be supporting the Brighter Futures for Children’s HAF programme this summer. We are very proud of the way that our town centre businesses and their staff have stepped up to support the work of the HAF programme for the thousands of children in need who will benefit from this fantastic programme.
“Many of the families of children who attend the HAF programme are affected by the cost-of-living crisis and this initiative will mean they’ll have additional food and other essentials, which the children can take home. This is in addition to the nutritious meals and activities provided through the programme.”
Gavin Brar, Business Relationship Manager at Barclays Business Banking, said: “Barclays have been working closely with the Reading BID over the last five years, and when the local Thames Valley Relationship team found out about this appeal, they all jumped at the opportunity to raise funds and support our local children.”
Maria Young, Director of Family Help & Safeguarding at Brighter Futures for Children said: “We are delighted to be partnering with so many Reading businesses and we’re very grateful to all of their employees who have donated food, clothing and other essentials that are much needed and appreciated by the families we support.
“We are very grateful to Reading BID for organising the donations. It’s wonderful that we can join forces to provide these much-needed essentials for children to take home after their activities. We look forward to a long and meaningful partnership with Reading businesses in the future.”
