Red Funnel has hit a major milestone in its fundraising efforts for its Charity of the Year, the Isle of Wight Foodbank. Together with customers and colleagues, the company has raised over £21,000 to support the foodbank’s vital work in the community.
Delivering the news in person, CEO Fran Collins spent time with the team and volunteers to see the operation behind the scenes. Fran assisted with sorting donations and packing boxes and gained insight into the Foodbank’s Reverse Advent Calendar initiative.
Help create Reverse Advent boxes
Throughout November, the Foodbank is inviting everyone to take part by assembling a box and donating a small item each day, totalling 24.
Completed Reverse Advent boxes can then be dropped off at the Foodbank’s Love Lane warehouse in Cowes by Friday 29th November or dropped off at any Red Funnel terminal or participating supermarket collection points.
Collins: Delivered with great compassion and commitment
Following her visit, CEO Fran Collins commented,
“I was quite simply blown away by the amazing team at the Isle of Wight Foodbank. They deliver their essential and hugely effective food distribution work with great compassion and commitment.
“Beyond food essentials, they help individuals find work, access benefits, improve budgeting skills, and help to address mental health challenges – making a truly meaningful, holistic impact for those in crisis. They really are making material improvements at a fundamental level. They are true community heroes.”
Lewis: Due to the cost-of-living crisis, understandably our donations are down
Kay Lewis, Manager of the Isle of Wight Foodbank, added,
“We are absolutely delighted and so grateful for the generosity of all the passengers that have travelled on Red Funnel. By contributing a little extra on their ferry fare over the last year, it will make a big difference for us.
“Due to the cost-of-living crisis, understandably our donations are down, so this will help top up our resources and, in turn, help local people out of crisis.
“This support from Red Funnel will also help us cover ongoing food costs. People tend to think that it’s the same users that keep coming back to the Foodbank, but this isn’t true. In fact, 85% of our users only use the Foodbank once or twice, demonstrating we really are a crisis organisation and assist people when they have fallen on hard times. We don’t just supply food, we help signpost users to other organisations that help support them and their finances.”
Look out for 2025 shortlist of nominated charities
Red Funnel will soon be announcing its shortlist of nominated charities for its Charity of the Year 2025, which will then be open to a public vote.
Find out more about foodbank
To find out more about the Isle of Wight Foodbank, including how you can help donate or volunteer, or how you can access support at any of the charity’s five foodbank ‘cafes’ located in Cowes, Newport, Ryde, Shanklin, and Freshwater, visit the website.
To learn more about the Isle of Wight Foodbank’s Reverse Advent initiative see the website.
News shared by Sophie on behalf of Red Funnel. Ed
