Emerson’s Supermarket ‘Trolley Appeal’ to aid foodbank
By ELEANOR McGILLIE
THE Emerson’s Foundation is collaborating with Armagh Foodbank to help with a surge in demand from families living in the community who are facing financial struggles this Christmas.
The foundation, launched last year by Emerson’s Supermarket staff with the aim of helping transform the local community, has announced its support for the foodbank in its fight against hunger this Christmas.
The foodbank, founded in July 2015, facilitated by Armagh Elim Church and supported by churches and community groups, is appealing for the community to stand up against hunger by generously donating food.
Showing support for families, staff have now started a ‘Christmas Trolley Appeal’ in Emerson’s Supermarket where shoppers can buy extra items throughout December and place them in the trolleys for families who are facing financial pressures in what has been described as “possibly the busiest December yet”.
Alessie Magowan, of The Emerson’s Foundation, said: “Our committee and staff put forward ideas of how we can help transform the local community. They suggested this year we support Armagh Foodbank which is facing its busiest December to date.
“Christmas is a pressured time for many people and the volunteers, community groups and church representatives do a fantastic job every year in making sure families do not experience hunger. Shoppers in Emerson’s can donate to our ‘Christmas Trolley Appeal’ by buying extra items and placing them in the trolley. We hope together we can make a difference to local families this Christmas.”
Richard Thompson, who is a volunteer at the Armagh Foodbank, said: “Last December, our foodbank provided 213 three-day emergency food supplies to local people in crisis. Of these, 116 went to children. We are very concerned this December could be even busier as we have already seen the demand double.
“Having Emerson’s Supermarket support us like this, through The Emerson’s Foundation, will make a huge difference for families. To get behind our foodbank like this is fantastic and very much appreciated. This is a very pressured time of the year for families. Costs increase due to things like colder weather, children being off on holiday and pressure to buy gifts. Top this with something totally unavoidable like a late benefit payment, or benefits not covering the cost of the essentials or illness, people can be pushed into a crisis.
“It’s not right that anyone in Armagh needs a foodbank at any time of year. We are working with other foodbanks across the country to campaign for long-term change so hopefully we can reach a future where no one needs us. While that work is underway, we will do all we can to make sure people in Armagh, at risk of hunger this Christmas, get vital support.
“It’s so heartwarming that local people are so generous because we rely on the people of Armagh to get help to families when it’s most needed. You can help to make sure that no one goes hungry this Christmas.
“A big thank you goes to The Emerson’s Foundation, shoppers in Emerson’s Supermarket and to everyone locally who will help us support families.”
Throughout December, the charity will also be offering extra support, giving festive food, new toys and presents to people referred for help, alongside the standard emergency food parcel.
Donations of UHT milk, tinned meat, Instant Mash, tinned vegetables, toiletries and vital funds are particularly needed.
To find out more visit The Emerson’s Foundation
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Notes To Editor:
- Emerson’s is a family run supermarket which has been serving the local community for over 125 years. The supermarket employs 110 people and is committed to creating a sustainable future on the high street in Armagh city centre. Emerson’s houses a local family supermarket, the city’s Post Office and a Michelin Recommended restaurant, Uluru Bar & Grill. It launched The Emerson’s Foundation in October 2017
- For further information contact Eleanor McGillie of MGMPR Ltd on 028 3756 9569 | 07709805379 | Brand Journalism | PR Northern Ireland