A CROWDFUNDING appeal was launched to replace a weather-beaten ’kindness cupboard’ in Westbury – a mini foodbank created by a resident for anyone struggling in the pandemic.
Natalie Edwards from Mustang Close set up the cupboard next to the street sign in mid-October, but through the winter the weather took its toll and the cupboard fell apart.
Natalie’s neighbour, Jane Pilgrim, appealed on a webpage, called ‘The Leigh’ – which is a Facebook group for people living in Westbury Leigh and Leigh Park to offer local news, views and support – for donations to pay for a replacement, and over £62 was raised.
“I was overwhelmed how quickly the appeal came about,” said Natalie. “Thank you to everyone that donated and thanks to Jane for organising it.”
Jane, added, “The new cupboard was £59 and we agreed that the remainder is going to go on food to put in the cupboard.
“Initially we were going to put out an appeal for anybody who’s got a cupboard spare. But I thought ‘why don’t we raise money to buy a more robust, weather-proof one?’”
The new cupboard is made of an outdoor-proof plastic.
Natalie’s idea behind the scheme was to help people during lockdown and restrictions – people on furlough, with children, carers, anyone that might be struggling.
”I wanted to make it more accessible than a foodbank, which are normally open during working hours – and there can be a stigma attached to using foodbank, especially if you have never had to use one,” Natalie told White Horse News at the time. “So the ‘kindness cupboard’ is open 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week, without having to speak to anybody or explain their situation.”
Neighbours can also donate food to the ‘kindness cupboard’, as well as helping themselves if needed. Natalie also gained the support of local supermarket Morrisons, who donate items to the cupboard.
Posting a picture of the new cupboard on a local social media page, she said, “Our new and improved Kindness Cupboard has arrived. Big love to everyone who made this happen and thank you all for your continued donations. Westbury is certainly home to a few angels.”
