Volunteer marks two-years with Hackney Foodbank

When times were hard, Jonathan Gabriel turned to Hackney Foodbank for help.

Now he’s one of their most loyal volunteers, having devoted half a day a week for the past two years to the charity.

 The 40-year-old, who has a learning disability, said: “The food bank is family to me.” He added: “I’ve made a lot of friends and there’s always good chat here.”

Jonathan has worked for M&S and Travis Perkins and latterly worked delivering furniture and electrical items. But, when he was made redundant, he decided to take the opportunity to gain new experience in the hope of giving back and eventually following a career with food.

He added: “At first when you lose your job you panic but I’m ok, I get my benefits and I can pay my rent and manage.  My mindset used to be money- money and spending; I couldn’t help myself but I came to the food bank because I wanted to change that.

“When I was hungry the food bank gave me food. I volunteer to give something back – people have helped me in my life so now I am giving back.”

Jonathan has had support from the City & Hackney Mind Project.

He added: Coming from a special needs background, I’ve done well – I’ve worked hard. Coming to the food bank was a chance to learn new skills.

“When I started at the food bank, I had nerves – it was all new and I didn’t know what to expect.”

Volunteers at Hackney Foodbank’s warehouse can choose between two shifts (8.30am-12pm and 12.30pm-3pm). The charity has more than 100 volunteers; some of whom work as drivers and in the food distribution centres.

Pat Fitzsimons, CEO of Hackney Foodbank, said: “Jonathan is such a wonderful and hard-working member of the team. We’re so very grateful for the time he gives to help provide emergency food for people in Hackney.”

To find out more about volunteering at Hackney Foodbank, visit www.hackney.foodbank.org.uk/volunteer