A CHARITY that helps feed Reading people who need a helping hand has itself been given a boost, thanks to The John Sykes Foundation.
Last week, Faith Christian Group, which runs the town’s foodbank, was visited by John Sykes to award a grant of £1,000 as part of its Cost of Living Crisis Fund.
This helps charities and community groups to support people in Reading during these difficult times.
In additional to the foodbank, which offers food parcels containing three days’ worth of food and toiletries, Faith Christian Group runs a community pantry in Norcot, and ReadiStreet, supply free sandwiches and hot soup to the hungry and homeless of Reading. There is also a tea bar on Sundays to provide free hot and cold drinks and soup and rolls.
This work is based outside Reading Minster Church in Reading town centre.
Mr Sykes visited Andy Dickens, Faith Christian Group’s director, at its Boulton Road offices to present the grant and learn more about its work. Joining them were Wendy Harris who runs ReadiStreet, and Alison Peyton who runs ReadiFood.
Faith Christian Group said the grant comes at a crucial time as the charity has seen an increase in demand due to Covid-19 and the Cost of Living Crisis.
Mr Sykes presented 10 two-man tents for the homeless, three coffee flasks for the soup kitchen, and a hot water dispenser for ReadiStreet.
These items will have a direct impact on the lives of the 50-60 people they serve, up to five times per week.
The remainder of the grant will be utilised at ReadiFood to purchase food items that would not ordinarily be donated to them.
The current demand sees between 150-200 families receiving food parcels per week in the Reading area.
The food parcels are made up by volunteers.
Mr Dickens said Faith was incredibly grateful for the grant.
“It is great to partner with John and his team; their generous gift will help and support those at most need in our town,” he explained.
“Help with shelter for the homeless and food for those who are struggling. The need is growing and without help like this we wouldn’t be able to do this work.”
Mr Sykes said: “The rising cost of essential food and energy has created a ‘second health emergency’ after covid, and more people who were previously ‘just about managing’ now need support, and we are so passionate in our support for the important work of Faith Christian Group.
“I have known Wendy of ReadiStreet for some time now and greatly admire her unwavering duty to serve those in Reading who are less fortunate.
“ReadiFood’s food bank service is so well managed and organised, and Alison does an admirable job managing the volunteers, ensuring the stock is rotated in date order, and supply and demand is met as best they can.”
The John Sykes Foundation welcomes applications from charities and community groups who would benefit from a cost of living crisis grant.
For more details, log on to: https://www.johnsykesfoundation.org/cost-of-living-crisis-fund.php
For more about Faith Christian Group and the services the charity provides, visit: https://fcg.org.uk/
