Witnessing the Impact: Foodbanks Supported by Our Amplified Donation
Here at acceptcards®, we understand the importance of giving back to the communities we serve. That’s why we were honoured to recently donate £5,000 to the One Community Foundation Kirklees, an organisation that supports charities tackling poverty and social exclusion across Kirklees. What made this donation even more special was learning how it was doubled by the foundation (£10,000) and used to support the critical work of West Yorkshire foodbanks, Cleckheaton Foodbank and Purpose of Life, based in Batley, West Yorkshire.
Our CEO, Richard Bradley and Jason Costello alongside One Community’s Chair of Trustees Ian Brierley and CEO Emma Woods-Bolger, had the
humbling experience of meeting and speaking with the inspiring individuals on the frontlines of this battle against poverty – Dilys Beaumont from Cleckheaton Foodbank and Yahya Seedat from Purpose of Life. Listening to their stories first hand brought home the profound impact our donation was making. It was a stark reminder that for many in our community, access to basic necessities like food is a daily struggle.
Dilys and Yahya shared stories of families facing unimaginable hardship, people choosing between
heating or eating, and the immense challenges they face in meeting the ever-growing demand to put food on the table. Yet, it’s their dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to helping others that shines through. All across both charities who give their time are truly heroes in our community, working tirelessly to alleviate suffering and offer a lifeline to those in need.
As Emma Woods-Bolger, CEO of One Community, powerfully stated, “Visiting food banks isn’t just about giving, it’s about witnessing resilience, compassion, and the power of community first hand. Each visit inspires me and our donors to make a difference one grant at a time. A heartfelt thank you to Richard, Jason and the whole acceptcards team for their generous donations, amplifying our impact and spreading hope.”
While our gift helped provide much-needed resources, Dilys and Yahya emphasised another crucial need – volunteer drivers. Delivering food parcels is essential for reaching those who are unable to leave their homes, and the lack of drivers creates a significant hurdle. Jason Costello, who leads our Community Engagement, shared this urgent call to action: “If you have a couple of hours to spare, please consider volunteering as a driver. You would be making a massive difference in the lives of many.”
He continued “It was a sobering reminder of the importance of community, of giving back, and of the power we all have to make a difference. If you’re looking for a way to make a positive impact in your community, consider donating to your local food bank or volunteering your time. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.”
Together, we can make a difference! Together we are stronger!
Additional Information:
- You CAN find contact information for Cleckheaton Foodbank and Purpose of Life on their websites or social media pages.
- You CAN learn more about volunteering opportunities, please reach out to One Community Foundation Kirklees.
- You CAN share our blog post with your business network to encourage them to get involved in supporting their local food banks.
