Talented schoolboy guitarist steps up for food bank

Julian Babitz is preparing to perform in aid of Hackney Foodbank

As 12-year-old Julian Hillel Babitz prepares for his Grade Eight guitar exam, he’s also rocking the streets of Hackney to raise funds for the food bank.

Julian, who loves hard rock, has been playing since he was five and also plays drums and piano. His idols include Kirk Hammet and Tim Henson.

He said: “Music makes the world a better place and so does Hackney Foodbank! It’s good for me to get used to performing in front of people so this is the perfect collaboration!

“It’s nice to do something for the community that I love and to help people at the same time.”

Julian, who attends Stoke Newington Secondary School, is planning to perform outside Bless on Stoke Newington Church Street this Sunday October 22nd at 2pm and he’s hoping supporters will donate to Hackney Foodbank while he plays.

He added: “I’ve performed in public before and it’s great when a crowd gathers.”

Hackney Foodbank is currently providing emergency food for around 650 people per week. Between January and August this year, demand increased by 70 per cent (compared with the same period last year).

Sara Battey, Head of Fundraising at Hackney Foodbank, added: “We were so thrilled when Julian got in touch and offered to fundraise for us. He is such a talented guitarist and, when he’s selling platinum albums, we’ll be able to say he played for us first!

 “It’s wonderful of him to put his talents to such good use to help ensure people in our community don’t go hungry.”

 To donate to Julian’s fundraising page, click here or you can text GUITAR to 70470 to donate £5.

Julian is preparing to fundraise for Hackney Foodbank