Whirlpool has donated appliances to a food bank in Wales to support the vital work done by its staff and volunteers.
According to organisers at the food bank at Seion Chapel, which is located in Llandysul, West Wales, demand for food parcels increased by 150 per cent throughout May, June and July 2020 compared to the previous year, highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the livelihood of people living in the area.
In November, it underwent a transformation as part of the television series Prosiect Pum Mil (Five Thousand Pound Project) on Welsh language channel S4C, which sees the renovation of various community projects. The episode – on 22 December – featured staff and volunteers working against the clock to transform the Seion Chapel food bank into a modernised and vibrant space.
To support the renovation of the kitchen, Whirlpool UK donated a Hotpoint Class 7 Total No Frost fridge freezer (with its Fresh Zone+ compartment for storing fresh fruit and vegetables), a cooker hood and a freestanding Hotpoint Supreme Chef multifunction microwave oven –pictured above– which will allow the food bank to prepare nutritious, hot meals for members of the community.
Prior to appearing on the Five Thousand Pound Project programme, a lack of resources, food preparation space and the absence of a working kitchen at the food bank – which was established in 2018 – meant that staff were unable to prepare hot meals on site. Now they plan to do this and also hold cooking demonstrations.
Ian Moverley, Public Affairs Director, Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical role that community initiatives play in supporting those in need across the country. In light of this, we are delighted to have been able to support the food bank at Seion Chapel.
“We hope that the donations from Whirlpool UK will support and strengthen the vital work done by the staff and volunteers at the food bank, as well as allowing them to expand the operation and continue to reach more people in need.”
