Operation Community Hamper

This week’s donation will be going to directly help a group that is aiming to alleviate the financial burden on the hardest hit families in Bristol this Christmas. 

OCH was established in 2020 when Charlotte, their fantastic founder, noticed an excessive number of vulnerable families accessing local food banks during the time of the Covid pandemic. 

The beginning was small: in 2020, we organised 19 Christmas Food Hampers for vulnerable families; this initiative was repeated in 2021 and, with the economy in decline, they received help from friends, and together they provided 47 hampers to those in need. In 2022, the economic situation had worsened, and even more vulnerable families and individuals were struggling financially; gas and electricity utility bills had increased for the nation, along with increased prices of food in the supermarkets. This meant that families and individuals had to decide between buying food or putting their money towards their utility bills, with some not being entitled to the Universal Credit Cost of Living Payment to help top up their finances. OCH couldn’t even imagine how this must feel – to make such difficult choices - so they enabled more establishments to refer families or individuals to them. These establishments included schools, health professionals, nurseries, and social services. In 2022 they received 221 referrals, and in total, we provided over 340 hampers that year, with food also benefiting the homeless and elderly.

This year they are looking to make 1008 (and counting) family’s Christmas by providing luxury hampers for the most vulnerable and deserving in Bristol and the surrounding areas. I’m sure you’ll agree that our £500 will be put to fantastic use making lots of people smile at a time of great worry when faced with such economic hardship. 

One of their biggest fundraising weekends was this weekend that was ruined by Storm Darragh but these incredible people are not to be deterred. 

Have a look at their story, here:

Thank you all, you’re amazing. 

The 500 Reasons Admin Team

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