Cathedral food collection centre by Oliver Home - http://www.bristol.anglican.org/2013/cathedral-food-parcel-collection/

Cathedral food collection centre

Bristol Cathedral has opened its doors as a drop off point for food parcel donations for FoodBanks, as churches lead efforts to combat food poverty this Christmas and remind people that Christmas Starts With Christ.

Members of the public are invited to leave food donations of any size at the Cathedral. The donations will be distributed through a network of FoodBanks run by churches and Christian charities, to people struck by poverty and unable to feed themselves this Christmas.

“The Christmas turkey and all those mince pies are a powerful reminder that food is not just sustenance or comfort; it is the great symbol of our commitment to each other,” explains , David Hoyle.

“When you go short of food you are not just hungry, you are an outsider, because food is for sharing and food is company. This Christmas we need to invite others to eat and share that privilege.”

Bishop Mike Hill, who is with David and many from the FoodBank network in Bristol to launch the collection point on Monday 2 December, adds, “ has opened its doors to the public so we can all support those in need. In Bristol and our diocese this Christmas, hundreds of people will struggle to provide for their families the Christmas dinner we’ve all come to cherish.

“It’s churches and Christian charities that run most FoodBanks in this counry. Because we believe Christmas starts with Christ, we also believe that Christmas starts when we feed the hungry.”

Thousands of people pass the Cathedral on College Green everyday on their way to and from work. Mike hopes many will stop and donate to the cause. A banner is in place outside the Cathedral and College Green inviting passers-by to consider the true meaning of Christmas as part of the Christmas starts with Christ campaign and to donate a food parcel.

“The has encouraged people to give 10% of their Christmas shopping budget to local FoodBanks. Whatever you are able to give, please do so. Without your donation, many will go hungry this Christmas,” urges Bishop Mike.

Andy Street runs the 5K Partnership, an umbrella organisation that helps coordinate organisations such as the Trussell Trust, Salvation Army and FareShare in their fight against poverty and the causes of poverty in Bristol. He has worked with Bristol Cathedral to establish it as a central collection point.

“It’s hard to believe that so many live in poverty in one of the richest countries in the world,” says Andy.

“The 5K Partnership ensures your generous donations of food go to the most needed in the city.

page 1 / 2 Cathedral food collection centre by Oliver Home - http://www.bristol.anglican.org/2013/cathedral-food-parcel-collection/

Helping to feed the hungry is one way we can all live out the true Christmas spirit here in Bristol today and put Jesus at the heart of the nation’s favourite time of year.”

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5k Partnership ? Bristol Cathedral ? Christmas starts with Christ campaign ?

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