Hull Trains partners with The Trussell Trust to push community charity drive

It's all part of 'The Big Help Out' scheme

Author: Rebecca QuarmbyPublished 4th May 2023

Hull Trains and the Trussell Trust have joined forces to launch a week-long appeal for food donations to help those in urgent need.

This campaign coincides with the Big Help Out initiative, launched by His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Consort Camilla as part of the Coronation celebrations. The Big Help Out encourages people to volunteer or support their community nationwide.

The Trussell Trust has witnessed a surge in demand for its local food banks over the past few months, with a 47% increase in food package distribution compared to last year.

To support the local community, Hull Trains set up a food collection point at Hull Paragon Station on Tuesday which will run until tomorrow (Friday, May 5th.)

The donation point is on the concourse at Paragon Station, where the Trussell Trust will receive donations of non-perishable, in-date food to create food parcels for individuals and families across the Hull and Humber region. Tinned vegetables, tinned rice pudding, tinned fruit, and tinned meat are among the most needed items by local food banks. The trust also appreciates strong carrier bags to ensure efficient distribution of the food packages.

Russ Barlow, Project Manager, at The Trussell Trust Hull branch, explained:

“We are so grateful for the support of Hull Trains in these challenging times. To see such a huge increase in people struggling to afford the essentials has been difficult and helping them would be impossible without the vital support of local people and organisations such as Hull Trains.

“We would like to see an end to people needing to use a foodbank, but whilst we work towards that challenging goal, we'd like to say a big thank you to Hull Trains and anyone that is able to donate to help ensure people do not go without in the coming months.”

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Hull Trains, said: “The Coronation and Big Help Out provides a unique opportunity for communities to come together and do something positive for those who need our support the most. Even by making a single donation, you will be making a huge difference.

“The work the Trussell Trust are doing to provide individuals and families across Hull with access to food and necessities is vital. Let’s please come together as a community to help them and we can all make a difference together.”

To find out more about The Trussell Trust and their work visit here: https://hull.foodbank.org.uk/.