London (London Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Prince and Princess of Wales have contributed to help replenish stock at a south London food bank which had thousands of pounds worth of goods robbed.
Southwark Foodbank, which is employed by Pecan on Peckham High Street, was targeted by thieves who took almost £3,000 of food and hygiene products, as well as a laptop. Pecan chief executive Peter Edwards stated: “This surprise donation by the Prince and Princess of Wales – following such a difficult spell for their family – highlights their kindness and decency.
How did the Prince and Princess of Wales respond to the theft?
“After severe ill health, their first thought was of how to help others.” He said: “Their generosity will inspire staff and volunteers to redouble Pecan’s efforts to alleviate poverty in London.”
How did the Southwark Foodbank get affected by the theft?
The food bank expressed its food stocks had now been replenished, following a wave of donations from members of the public. Kensington Palace voiced that Prince William and Catherine had heard about the burglary and desired to offer their support. The food bank expressed the couple had pledged £3,500.
Attendants and volunteers had been “very distressed” to be met with cleared shelves when they discovered the theft, Mr Edwards expressed. Burglars had pushed their way into the warehouse, causing damage in the process. Mr Edwards expressed there had been an “overwhelming reaction” from individuals, companies and the local council, adding: “We thank them all for their support at the end of a very tough week.
“We are pleased that after such a difficult time for their own family, the Waleses thought of us and the people of the community in demand across Southwark, and that’s a testament to their decency and compassion.”
Mr Edwards previously said the burglary had had a “devastating impact” which hit “the most helpless people in our community”. It followed four other break-ins at two London food banks over the past 14 months including at Lewisham Foodbank in south-east London, where a considerable quantity of cash that would have been consumed on food was stolen in July last year. The Metropolitan Police has expressed no arrests had been made over burglary, during which a laptop, phone and food was stolen.