Lloyd's volunteers in supermarket sweep for Barking Foodbank

Lloyd’s volunteers in supermarket sweep for Barking Foodbank

Posted April 24, 2017

This March Lloyd’s Operations team rolled their sleeves up and spent the day volunteering at Barking Foodbank, refurbishing the foodbank shelves and sorting out purchased items. This activity was part of Lloyd’s Community Programme, which encourages volunteering amongst employees and aims to empower people in Lloyds’ neighbouring London communities to achieve their potential.

Before the volunteers arrived at the foodbank, they made a pit-stop at Tesco where they were divided into three teams, with each one given a budget to spend filling a trolley with items to donate to the foodbank.
To add a competitive element to the day, there were points up for grabs for the team that bought groceries totalling closest to the exact budget they’d been allocated, for the team that bought the best value for money groceries and for the team was first to get through the tills.

One of the volunteers said:

“It is the second time I’ve taken part in this event and I really enjoy it. I enjoy helping those in need and it also makes me appreciate what I have in life which others do not. It was an active day and a great way to chat with colleagues while working on team building.”

Another volunteer said:

“It was very interesting to see how the Barking Foodbank operates and help them sort out all the food they store. Today we made a real difference in purchasing much needed food items and in helping the foodbank to organise the warehouse after their recent move. It is a great opportunity to make a real difference in the local community. I got to know some of my colleagues better and met new colleagues as well. I would really recommend signing up and getting involved in the CSR opportunities.”

Funmi Ikele who works at the foodbank said:

“Our volunteers were pleasantly surprised to come in the next morning to a well-organised warehouse. Even our elderly volunteers who before your visit would not venture near, now go in there for supplies to re-stock the distribution shelves. Also your generous donation of fast-depleted food items guarantees that our clients go away with the full range of items on the allocation list. Thank you for yet again choosing Barking Foodbank as your charity of cause and a special thanks to Darren and others for making it happen.”

If you feel inspired by this team challenge and would like to do something similar with your colleagues please get in touch with Emily Franklin on emily.franklin@elba-1.org.uk.

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