The founder of EasyJet has announced a donation of 550,000 cans to the Trussell Trust at Lambeth and Croydon foodbank.
The donation from Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou builds on previous support through the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation’s Food From the Heart programme, including a contribution of chilli con carne cans worth over £1million last year.
Sir Stelios said he would encourage more philanthropists to step forward and donate more food.
The airline founder said: “My fortune is not big enough to solve poverty all over the world, but I am going to support Lambeth and Croydon as it’s closest to home, and that’s why I started in Cyprus because it’s nearer to home.”
The 550,000 cans of soup will be distributed to various Trussell foodbanks, including those in Lambeth and Croydon, significantly boosting their resources.
The Trussell Trust has been instrumental in supporting communities facing food insecurity, and this latest contribution enhances their capacity to serve vulnerable populations.
Emma Revie, CEO of the Trussell Trust, said: “Our food banks are nearly at breaking point.
“Our food banks have come through the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, but we will find a way.
“A lot of the work we do at Trussell is about trying to tackle why it is people come to food banks.”
The scale of this donation is particularly significant given the current economic climate, where many families are struggling with rising living costs.
Foodbanks have seen an unprecedented increase in demand, and donations like these are vital for sustaining their operations.
Philanthropic efforts not only provide immediate relief but also inspire a sense of community and solidarity.
As the Trussell Foundation continues its essential work, Sir Stelios’ donations will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
The partnership between EasyJet and Trussell exemplifies how businesses can engage in corporate social responsibility, leveraging their resources to support vital community initiatives.
Sir Stelios said: “From my point of view, the Stelios Foundation is there to help [the Trussell Trust] in the long run.”
Feature image: Alex Ioannides
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