Supporting communities: EMR staff back charities across the network this Christmas
- EMR staff are supporting a number of charities across its network this year
- Items are being donated to foodbanks and charities
- Hampers being produced for Reach Community Grocers in Derby
East Midlands Railway (EMR) staff are supporting several charities across their network this Christmas, bringing extra festive cheer to the communities they serve.
One of the supported charities is Reach Community Grocers in Derby, where staff are contributing items to assemble hampers filled with essential goods and thoughtful treats. These hampers will be distributed by Reach to its members just in time for the festive season.
The hampers will include a variety of items, from Christmas dinner essentials to toiletries, providing a mix of practical support and seasonal treats.
Reach Community Grocers, based on Pride Park, helps families and individuals who are struggling to put food on their tables amid today’s cost-of-living crisis.
Families who sign up to be members of the Community Grocers gain the dignity of choosing and purchasing their shopping for a fraction of the cost of a supermarket. Additionally, as much of the food is sourced from surplus supermarket supplies, thousands of tonnes of food are saved from being wasted each year.
But it’s about more than just food. Adjacent to the shop is a new Community Hub, where members can access free support and courses, such as budgeting, healthy cooking, and employment skills.
The EMR hampers will complement the charity's ongoing efforts, ensuring families feel supported and valued during what can be a challenging time of year.
Clare Hawksworth, Lead Revenue Optimisation Manager, was part of the team at EMR that organised the donation.
She said: "We’re delighted to be working with Reach Community Grocers to help make the season a little brighter for families who might need a helping hand in Derby. This initiative is a wonderful way for us to support our local community."
Gillian Davel, Reach Community Grocers Manager, said: "We are so proud to be able to partner with EMR to bring some festive cheer to Derby. What a wonderful time of year to show kindness and pay it forward to someone who needs it most. This is the Christmas story in action."
To find out more about Reach Community Grocers and the work they do, visit https://reachcommunitygrocers.org
EMR staff from across the network are also supporting foodbanks and other charities this Christmas. These include:
- Nottingham Station supporting Hope Meadows Nottingham Foodbank
- Eastcroft Depot supporting The Salvation Army, Nottingham
- Derby Station supporting Doorways Derby
- Lincoln Station supporting Lincoln Foodbank
- Leicester Station supporting Braunstone Foodbank
- Sheffield Station supporting Barnsley Foodbank
Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said: "Every year, our staff show their generosity and support for some of the many well-deserving charities across our network. I would like to thank them again and hope their donations go some way towards making Christmas better for some of the communities we serve."