At Durham Cathedral, concerned about the increase in demand at their local foodbank, the team has created a unique advent calendar this year as they seek to help those in need over this Christmas period.
Under the banner of ’24 for 24 to celebrate the 25th’ the foodbank has invited 24 people to donate one food item to be placed into a window of an advent calendar for each of the 24 days of advent.
The call for 24 contributors donating 24 food items in order to celebrate the 25th day, Christmas, has been met with an incredible response. With individuals, couples, groups of friends from the Cathedral congregation, Cathedral staff and Stewards all taking part the project has proven to be a huge success.
Members of the Cathedral congregation have also taken on the challenge, taking the challenge out to their own places of work or leisure. This has resulted in a Form year at Durham Johnstone School, two groups from Durham Choral Society, and the Cathedral Chorister School all donating 24 food items.
Pat Francis, who came up with the initial idea for the project, said: “The response has been wonderful, from individuals through to organisations taking part. I am very excited by the level of the response, and fortunate to have so many generous and thoughtful people prepared to share in the support of those in the midst of a crisis at Christmas.
“This was a simple idea that has generated a much needed outcome, particularly for those in need. We hope that these donations can bring some light to those going through a tough time this Christmas.”
The Cathedral Foodbank Team continue to welcome donations from the public at any time of the year, and a drop-off point for donations can be found in the South Transept of the Cathedral. All food items are welcome so long as they are not perishable and are within their sell by date, but staples like cereal, long life milk, tea, coffee, biscuits and tinned items are particularly needed.
Click below to hear Premier’s Northern Correspondent Ian Britton reporting from Durham Cathedral.
You can also watch Pat Francis in conversation with Ian.
