Community invited to ‘fill up a parking space’ with food amid cost of living crisis

The Harrogate district community is set to come together this weekend to help hungry families struggling with the cost of living crisis.

People are being encouraged to fill a parking space with food at Morrisons, Boroughbridge, which will then be donated to food banks in the area.

The event, which will take place from 10am – 4pm on Saturday, is being led by the supermarket’s community champions, Sue Robson and Karen Cooper.

Ms Cooper said:

“As you are aware, the current financial climate is beginning to affect many local families and further putting already vulnerable households at risk of going hungry. Now, more than ever, people are needing to utilise the services of food banks.

We are joining forces with local food banks to create an event which hopefully should create awareness, and ultimately, provide more food for families in need.

“We hope this event will help to inspire our community to begin, or continue, to donate to local food banks, should they be in the position to do so.”

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Customers, staff, and the wider community are encouraged to come and donate non-perishable food and place it in an empty parking space, which will be cordoned off on the day.

The idea is that the parking space, or spaces, will be filled and then distributed to food banks in the area. These include Resurrected Bites, in Harrogate and Knaresborough, Boroughbridge Community Care and other local causes.

Customers can purchase food from pre-made pick-up packs at the supermarket, or can bring their own from home. They can also buy items off the shelves.

Meet four more sparkling Ripon Community Diamond entries

Seventeen people have been nominated so far by Stray Ferret readers for our Ripon Community Diamond award, which recognises outstanding service to the community.

Nominations close at the end of January and the independent judges already have a very high calibre list of nominees to choose from.

This week we have been revealing the nominees and today we look at four more.

As well as the honour of being named as the city’s community diamond, the award includes a fabulous prize worth up to £1,000, donated by Red Buttons Jewellers and Hedley Hall.

Red Buttons, which shares The Vintage Room premises in Queen Street, Ripon, with Mr Hall and his antiques, collectables and vintage models business, will create, for the winner, a customised piece of jewellery, featuring the diamond in a gold or white gold setting.

Caroline Bentham

Caroline is the former owner of the café in Spa Gardens and is involved in numerous community activities, helping people of all ages and supporting the environment.

Nominator Eleanor Hartas, said:

“She has been involved in community activity for many years, including being a Girl Guide leader. Caroline is also on the Friends of Spa Gardens committee, where she has organised free children’s activities and a winter wonderland.

“Caroline set up a scrap fund, which has raised thousands of pounds for the local community and helped set up the Ripon Man Shed to help combat male isolation.”

Helen Slater

Helen is the owner of the Cathedral View Café on Bedern Bank and has shown a kind and caring attitude to homeless people and the elderly.

Her name was put forward by Sara Halliday, who said that Helen is:

“Completely selfless, bringing many smiles to the people she serves in her café, or those she helps on the street. A couple who had been made homeless, were resting on a bench near her café and Helen gave them sandwiches and drinks each day.

“She has also looks after her elderly neighbours and is a truly fantastic warm-spirited human being.”

Helen Mackenzie

Helen is a teacher at Ripon Grammar School and as well as being head coach for Ripon City Netball Club, she found time to work with her friend Sarita McDermott at the Realitea Café to create the Back to Basics charity, which helps to feed children and families.

Nominator Juliet Searle, said:

“Helen has such motivation, by thinking just that little bit further with her Back to Basics charity. What really struck me, was that she isn’t just giving these families food on a plate – it’s all about education and fun.

“She and Sarita provide the basic ingredients for the families to help them create a meal. Helen is busy with her family, but  still dedicates her time and effort for others who are struggling.”

Jess Ward

Jess created an organisation called inspire Youth, which provides a range of activities to support and encourage young people in Ripon and across the Harrogate district.

Nominator June Hewson, said:

“When all of the funding was cut in the youth sector, Jess didn’t want children to miss out on the true help they need, so decided to set up Inspire Youth.

“At this strange time, when young people need more help than ever, Jess, in her selfless way, travels from town to town in the Inspire Youth van, to meet children and provide them with encouragement and support.”