Select a region
Staff at ABN AMRO have collected piles of food and gifts for islanders in need this Christmas.
For more than a month, the Dutch private bank has operated a food bank in its Admiral Park offices, in aid of Guernsey Welfare and the Women’s Refuge. Staff have also been encouraged to provide stocking fillers for children and families supported by Swissville Family Centre.
‘At ABN AMRO we are always looking at ways we can give something back to the community. It’s hard to believe that in Guernsey there are people in need of food, but it is happening. We thought that by encouraging our 150 staff to bring in a few items each we could make a real difference at what can be a difficult time of year,’ said Donna Allan from the bank’s CSR committee.
‘Our CSR committee was also keen to do something for less fortunate children and families, looked after by Swissville. The team there does a fantastic job and have hearts of gold, however their budgets and time only reach so far. The centre already has a tree of joy campaign in the run up to Christmas, but we wanted to be able to give them little stocking fillers to open alongside those presents.’
Last year Guernsey Welfare helped 400 households, some several times. Sue Le Friec, welfare worker at Guernsey Welfare, said many people seek help in the lead up to Christmas, as it is an expensive time of year.
‘Those we help range from families on low incomes, people with disabilities or long term medical conditions, single parent families and pensioners. All are very appreciative of the support we offer and often comment how generous those who donate the goods are. We are very grateful to ABN AMRO for helping out this year,’ she said.
Dr Maggie Costen, chair of Safer, added: ‘Safer is delighted to receive the donated food that ABN AMRO has collected and would like to thank everyone for their generosity. The food will be used at the Guernsey Women's Refuge and for victims of domestic abuse supported by Safer in the community.’
The Refuge is able to accommodate up to five women and their children and Refuge staff also provide outreach support to a number of victims who will appreciate additional supplies over Christmas. Safer also provides high-risk victims with specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) who will be able to distribute food to people who may have had to flee an abusive relationship with very little.
‘Not everyone will be having a joyous festive period but the generosity of ABN AMRO staff will help to brighten a number of families’ Christmases. Safer continues to offer its services every day of the year and if anyone needs our help or support they can call 721999 to speak to someone,’ added Dr Costen.
