COMMUNITY PULLS TOGETHER AGAIN hen the latest national lockdown was W announced earlier this month, it was very much a feeling of ‘here we go again’ for Pompey in
the Community (PitC). During the first one, local businesses and individuals came together under the HIVE umbrella to provide hot food and care packages to thousands of people across the city. It has been no different this time around, although with even more volunteers offering both time and resources. Jeanette Warren, landlady of The Lady Hamilton pub, has been cooking up 100 meals a day, along with PitC’s community chef Gavin Randall. They have been using ingredients purchased with the help of Barclays Community Aid Fund of £100,000, which was awarded to the charity last year. The programme, which forms part of Barclay’s wider Covid-19 Community Aid Packages, focuses on supporting UK charity partners who are meeting the immediate needs of people in the communities, including low income families, those facing financial hardship, isolated elderly people and key workers. Clare Martin, PitC’s director of community projects, said: “This funding has really supported us in providing the city with such a vital and impactful service during the pandemic. Our provision is continually developing in direct response to the needs of the city and an ever evolving situation. “It’s been a real privilege to be able to support so
portsmouthfc.co.uk
many people and thanks to Barclays and our other local partners, we look forward to continuing to do so.” Once the meals are cooked, they are being distributed by staff and volunteers from Richmond Motor Group and PitC. The former have been providing cars and drivers to help support the project and in doing so, have been able to give Jeanette and the team more time to spend preparing the meals, ensuring that more people are able to benefit from the scheme. They also use electric vehicles to help keep the campaign as green as possible, helping the environment as well as the community. Michael Nobes, managing director of Richmond Motor Group, said: “This is a great local project that really demonstrates how the people of Portsmouth can pull together to support their local community. As a local business, we are delighted to be able to help this initiative and deliver support to those who need it most – and be involved in giving back to our community.” For further details on the project, or if you are in need of support from it, please contact Jeanette Warren directly at The Lady Hamilton pub on (023) 9287 0505 or via her Facebook page.
22
@Pompey
