Local housebuilder David Wilson Homes, who is behind the Applegate Park development in Borden, has recently supported Sittingbourne based Kent Bus Shelter & Community Hub with a donation of £1,500 via its Barratt Foundation Community Fund initiative.
According to the ONS, the prices of food and non-alcoholic drinks rose at their fastest rate in more than 45 years in the 12 months to March 2023, with inflation hitting 19.2% last month . Analysis of government data also reveals that Kent has seen a 14% increase in homelessness since 2021, and a 31% increase since 2010 . To help Kent Bus Shelter & Community Hub cope with the influx of demand, as shown by these staggering statistics, David Wilson Kent donated £1,500 to the organisation to help it to continue to support local individuals relying on foodbanks and shelters.
Founded by Tony Cooper in 2016, Kent Bus Shelter & Community Hub provides a range of services from food parcels to hot meals on site, and a place for people to go for advice and some warmth. Their services also help those in need find accommodation across Sittingbourne and surrounding areas, which is approximately 30 to 40 people each week. To help manage the increase in demand, the shelter is putting the donation towards stocking up on food supplies ahead of this busy time.
Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director for David Wilson Kent, commented: “We believe that no one should have to use a food bank but unfortunately with the alarming rising cost of living, food prices seem to be the worst affected area leaving people with no choice. It has been a pleasure working with Kent Bus Shelter & Community Hub who not only provide a food bank service, but also a place for people to come and receive a hot meal and have a chat with their lovely volunteers. It is places like this which make a community, and we are proud to support those who work tirelessly to make a difference in their local area.”
Tony Cooper, Founder of Kent Bus Shelter & Community hub added: “This donation could not have come at a better time for us, with the foodbank being busier than ever before. We also had a burst pipe over Christmas and into the new year which meant we have been stretched more than ever before. Thankfully, we are now back at our usual base of Phoenix House and helping those in need in Sittingbourne and the Swale district. I want to take my time to thank David Wilson Kent for their incredibly kind donation, and it’s funds like this which make us able to help as many people as possible. We are here for anyone in the area who may need some extra help, or who just need a chat with one of our friendly volunteers.”
The donation was made as part of The Barratt Foundation’s Community Fund initiative, which sees the housebuilder to donate £1,500 each month to a local charity to improve the quality of life for those living in the local area.
