By Jacklin Kwan
MORE than £9,000 has been raised to buy food for struggling families since the Dovestone Women’s Institute first began crafting face coverings in exchange for donations in May.
As part of their Fabric to Food initiative, the group receives donations for face masks, which are made by members.
The money is spent on much-needed food and given to local foodbanks for families and people who are struggling financially.
President Jess Moreland said the milestone is just one of the group’s many important achievements helping the community during the coronavirus outbreak.
She added the group saw a surge in new members offering to help from across Greater Manchester, even during lockdowns.
“I think people have felt this helplessness and they feel this urge of to do something – you just need to let them,” she commented.
These efforts have led to massive difference in the lives of those who have been struggling during the pandemic, Jess stated.
She recalled: “We were at one woman’s house and as soon as she saw what we had brought, she just burst into tears because she was so hungry. She hadn’t eaten for three days.”
During the first lockdown, the WI also worked with foodbanks to distribute more than five tonnes of chicken, bacon and cheese leftover from large restaurant chains, such as Nando’s and TGI Friday’s, to households.
“What this pandemic has shown is people’s true colours – people have really stepped up,” Jess said.
As well as face coverings, members have been busy sewing more than 600 hospital gowns for NHS staff during a national shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Dovestone WI is continuing its Fabric to Food effort alongside other initiatives, including festive projects to bring some Christmas cheer.
There is a Christmas advent calendar online that will run throughout November across the WI’s social media platforms and feature three local businesses each day.
The group will also continue collecting, sorting and wrapping Christmas presents as part of its ‘Give a Gift’ campaign, with the presents being donated to local foodbanks.
The drop-off point is closed until December 2 but after that readers can leave presents at the Civic Hall in Uppermill until December 11. Donations accepted Monday to Friday from 10am-2pm and Saturday from 8am to noon.
Alternatively, contact Dovestone WI who can collect your donated gift throughout November.
Members’ meeting continue to take place via Zoom on the third Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm.
For more information about Dovestone WI, guest speakers, and all their projects visit their Facebook page or website: www.dovestonewi.com
