£160k of donations in two weeks secures future of Cornish foodbank for two years
Don Gardner from the Camborne, Pool and Redruth foodbank appeared in the documentary 'Cornwall with Simon Reeve'
The future of a Cornish foodbank has been secured for the next two years, after it received £160 thousand pounds' worth of donations in just two weeks.
It follows the success of the documentary 'Cornwall with Simon Reeve' where the TV presenter shone a light on the true level of poverty in the Duchy.
The two-part programme also revealed the hard work of the Camborne, Pool and Redruth foodbank along with its director Don Gardner.
Don filmed for the documentary the day before his wife Jen's funeral, following her tragic death, as he felt it was that important to raise awareness about the struggles in the local area.
Don told Pirate FM that since the documentary aired, he has had an influx of donations, people giving up their holiday money, and phone calls and messages from people around the world showing their support.
The money will secure the foodbank for at least the next two years, by paying the wages of three part-time employees and boosting stock.
"People who come to holiday in Cornwall didn't realise how bad the situation is in the area, and they have been phoning up, some have been donating their holiday money to us.
"I've even had phone calls from France and Spain, people sending in cheques, it means the security of the foodbank is now there for at least two years."
Don Gardner, CPR Foodbank
But it is still feared that the situation is about to get much worse.
During the first coronavirus lockdown the CPR foodbank, which is located within one of the poorest parts of Europe, dished out 26,000 meals in just one month.
Many families have been struggling due to job losses, furlough and the uncertainty.
On average the foodbank is giving out 12 to 14,000 meals every month, with 780 being given out on just ONE HOUR last week.
Don says that the area needs good industry with futuristic, permanent and well-paid jobs to help local people.
"A lot more people who are working are coming to us now, and we don't know when it's going to stop, after Christmas will be a big surge.
"Those people who have been locked in, locked down, they are going to spend on their credit cards, and January's credit card bill is going to frighten a lot of people I suspect."
Don Gardner, CPR Foodbank
You can find out more about the Camborne, Pool and Redruth Foodbank and how to help here.