A CITY developer has donated £250 to St John the Divine Church to help it create food hampers so Coventry families do not go hungry this Christmas.
Deeley Construction is currently leading on phase two of the Ernesford Grange School construction works and was keen to support some of the local community groups and projects in the neighbourhood to help in the run up to the festive season.
The council’s Community Resilience Team supported Deeley Construction by linking them into some of the community organisations in the area, including St John the Divine.
Deeley Construction had supported the local church earlier in the year with a financial contribution towards their Easter hampers for children and families and were keen to offer some support again this Christmas after seeing their great efforts previously so donated a further £250.
St John the Divine has been supporting hundreds of local families with their school holiday activities alongside many other activities and events it hosts for the community.
This Christmas it is again giving out food hampers to those families in need, alongside holding a live Nativity with animals outside the church for everyone to enjoy. The church provided dinners to 678 people this Christmas and has given hampers to 70 as part of the event.
Rev Pam Howell, from St John the Divine Church, said: “We are very grateful to Deeley Construction for their very kind donation towards the cost of food hampers we will be providing to local families in need this Christmas.
“This will enable families to be able to celebrate Christmas dinner without taking on debts they cannot afford to repay.”
The cash also helped towards the cost of the outdoor Nativity on Tuesday which featured a live camel, donkey, and sheep.
Those watching – around 500 in socially distanced time slots – also received catered food to takeaway.
Edward Hudson, Deeley Construction’s Business Development Manager, said: “St John the Divine and the Council are clearly doing a great job not only supporting the community by providing some great festive entertainment but also raising interest in the environment, so we were only too happy to help them again.
“Our work with St John the Divine is just one element of the community engagement we have undertaken during the construction at a local project. Using a local contractor greatly benefits local communities – on the local project 17 per cent of the budget has been committed to social value in the local community.”
Coun John Mutton, ward councillor in Binley and Willenhall, added: “I’m really pleased to see how this kind donation can do so much to help the area enjoy a safe, fun Christmas and can help ease the pressure a little on people struggling over the festive season.”
Coun David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “The value of generous donations like this from Deeley Construction is enormous.
“St John the Divine provides a lot of support in the area and this donation just re-enforces the partnership working which benefits so many.”
