Jam-packed food bank auction launches in Hackney
Local businesses have stepped up with a host of donations for Hackney Foodbank’s fundraising auction, with exciting experiences art and fabulous gifts.
Among the lots up for grabs is framed artwork by the Connor Brothers, whose work has appeared alongside the likes of Banksy and Damien Hirst. Five Star hotel Boundary Shoreditch has donated a night's stay in one of their luxury bedrooms, with a three-course dinner for two, cocktails and breakfast.
Hackney Foodbank’s auction is packed with experiences and more
Other lots include VIP tickets to the Wide Awake Festival at Finsbury Park, tickets for the Crystal Maze Experience, a rum-making course, a sourdough pizza class and dinner at restaurants Pidgin, Sune, Brat, Papi and Patty and Bun.
Pat Fitzsimons, CEO of Hackney Foodbank, said: “This is a chance to treat yourself to some really wonderful experiences or grab a gift, while helping us ensure local people in poverty don’t go hungry. Our thanks go to all the amazing businesses who’ve donated. We have more than 40 prizes up for grabs and we’d love to hear from businesses or individuals keen to donate.
“Times are really tough – we’re experiencing unprecedented demand (up 53% on last year) and we hope this auction will help raise vital funds. It’s great to see so many Hackney businesses and artists giving back to their community.”
Local stores LF Markey, 69B Boutique and Ivory have donated vouchers, as have the N1 Garden Centre. There are prints by local artists Katherine Boyt, Bill Bragg, illustration magazine Le Gun and Heretic Studio and a bundle of goodies from Arsenal FC.
Experiences being auctioned include tours with the Five Points Brewing Company, a climbing induction for adults courtesy of Stronghold, a VR session with Otherworld and tickets to the Arcola, EartH, Moth Club, the Shacklewell Arms and the Rio Cinema.
Other donors include the De Beauvoir Deli, Violet Cakes, Earlybird Cards, Metal Crumble, Hoxton St Monster Supplies, Stoke Newington Book Shop, Prep, Revere the Residence and Know and Love.
This year, Hackney Foodbank is providing emergency food for an average of 610 people per week. The charity also has an in-house caseworker who offers support with benefits and housing and signposts visitors to organisations addressing the root causes of poverty.
The charity is part of the Trussell Trust and has six distribution centres across Hackney and a Giving Van, which takes food parcels to areas with high levels of deprivation.