Dorchester Chamber for Business has generously donated £500 to the Dorchester Food Bank, providing vital support to local families and individuals in need during the festive season. The funds were raised through a raffle at the Chamber’s annual President’s Breakfast earlier this month, an event which celebrated Christmas and the conclusion of another productive year for the business community.
On Friday, 20th December, a cheque for £500 was formally handed over to Dr John Burn, a trustee of the Dorchester Food Bank, as the culmination of the Chamber’s fundraising efforts. The £448 generated from the raffle was kindly topped up by the Chamber itself. Prizes for the raffle were generously donated by Chamber members, showcasing the strong sense of community and shared purpose among local businesses.
The President’s Breakfast, a highlight of the Chamber’s calendar, provides an opportunity for members to come together, celebrate their achievements, and enjoy the festive spirit. This year’s event held special significance as members united to support those struggling to make ends meet during the Christmas season.
The Dorchester Food Bank provides emergency food supplies to individuals and families facing hardship, playing a critical role in supporting the local community. Its work benefits not only families with children but also pensioners and individuals in need, ensuring that no one goes without essentials. In the run-up to Christmas, the Food Bank distributes additional provisions, including festive treats, to help bring a little joy to those facing financial pressures.
The day the donation was presented proved to be the Food Bank’s busiest of the month, with 28 families seeking assistance. Among them, a mother feeding her four children and herself with a single tin of meatballs, and a pensioner referred after a social worker discovered their home had no food during a routine visit.
Dr John Burn, accepting the cheque on behalf of the Food Bank, expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Chamber and its members.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation,” he said. “Support from the Chamber is invaluable, especially at this time of year when demand for food assistance is at its highest. This contribution will make a significant difference, enabling us to provide vital supplies to those in need over Christmas.”
Chamber President Steve Bulley and Vice-President Steph Addison presented the cheque to Dr Burn, commenting:
“It is a privilege to present this donation to the Dorchester Food Bank. As a Chamber, we are committed to supporting our local community, and we are proud to contribute to such an essential cause. The Christmas period can be particularly challenging for families experiencing financial hardship, and we hope this donation helps to ease some of their burdens. We would like to extend our thanks to all our members who donated raffle prizes and helped make this fundraising effort such a success.”
This donation underscores the strong sense of community within Dorchester and highlights the Chamber’s dedication to social responsibility. As the year comes to a close, the Chamber looks forward to continuing its support for local causes while championing the success and well-being of Dorchester’s businesses and residents in the coming year.
