A food bank is bouncing back following a callous theft – all thanks to the ‘spirit of Salford’.
Salford Food Bank Network has revealed there’s been an ‘overwhelming response’ to replace the £2,500 worth of donations which were recently stolen from one of their storage units in Lower Broughton.
The items – namely nappies and sanitary products – were to be distributed to local women and children in need.
Aldi has agreed to replace all the products, while there’s been a further wave of donations from those who want to help.
The happy news was revealed by Salford Food Bank Network, who tweeted: “There has also been an overwhelming response from the public, council and businesses with donations which means the @SalfordFSN has a growing stock of items to distribute.
“The #spiritofSalford has shone through!!”
Meanwhile, a JustGiving fundraiser has already brought in £280 of its £1,500 target to replace the stolen items.
Update following theft: 1) Aldi who had donated the nappies and sanitary products to @SalfordFSN that were due to be distributed to foodbanks and other centres for people in crisis in Salford, have kindly agreed to replace the stolen items. pic.twitter.com/FRuufPUSMN
— Salford Foodbank (@SalfordFoodbank) August 23, 2018
Earlier this week, Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett branded those behind the theft as ‘despicable’.
He said: “This is one of the most despicable thefts I have ever come across. Those responsible must have known the items were there and planned this theft because we believe they used a van to carry away their haul.
“It beggars belief that people would sink so low as to steal from a food bank knowing those items are for people who are in desperate need.
“To also steal sanitary pads, tampons and nappies donated to help women and children struggling to maintain their personal hygiene and dignity shows these people have no conscience.”
Mayor Dennett is now encouraging people with information on the theft to come forward by getting in touch with CrimeStoppers.
Chief Officer Tom Togher, from Salford Citizen’s Advice which helped secure the donation, said staff burst into tears when they first discovered the theft.
“People who come to the foodbank often tell us they have not eaten in three days,. They are absolutely on the breadline and if they can’t afford food they can’t afford nappies and sanitary products,” he explained.
“This generous donation would have eased the pressure on hundreds of women and families across the city. We are just stunned that anyone could sink so low as to steal from a foodbank.”
