Posted 17/12/2020

Swan Frontline Keyworker Staff Raise Nearly £1,500 to Spread Kindness in Newham this Christmas

Swan Housing Association’s frontline keyworkers in the Estate Services Team have raised nearly £1,500 for the foodbank at Woodbridge Baptist Church in Forest Gate, London Borough of Newham.

The team asked Stella, Forest Gate resident and Chair of Swan’s London Residents’ Consultative Committee to recommend a local charity that supports and makes a real difference in the communities we serve. She told them about the work of Rev Bruce Stokes and the Woodbridge Baptist Church on Romford Road who have been supplying hot meals and food parcels to people in Forest Gate.

Swan’s Head of Estate Services, Jorgen Dyer, liaised with Rev Bruce Stokes to find out what supplies were required before accompanying five team members to the local supermarket where they filled seven trolleys. They spent over £1,100 on much needed supplies which they delivered directly to the Church along with the remaining donations.

Jorgen Dyer said: “I’m so proud of my team for their generosity and dedication to the communities in which they work. 2020 has been a difficult year for many people and they wanted to make a real difference to people who find themselves in less fortunate situations.”

He added “I’d also like to thank our suppliers for their generosity, specifically NEUK, our gardening contractors who donated £500, DRI, Swan’s CCTV installers who donated £200 and Coating Tech, our PPE supplier who donated £250.”

Rev. Bruce Stokes from Woodbridge Baptist Church said: “As Christmas has approached, demand has increased to 80 households a week.  We’re so grateful to all of you at Swan Housing for your generous support.”

Stella, Forest Gate resident and Chair of Swan’s Residents’ Consultative Committee said “I know how hard this year has been on so many people and I really appreciate how the Swan team have helped the local community in Forest Gate. I am very grateful for the large donation they have made as I know it will make a real difference to so many people and families who are relying on the foodbank at this time.”