First4Lawyers help Huddersfield food bank support families in crisis

Struggling families in Huddersfield will be able to put food on the table this new year thanks to a donation from First4Lawyers.

The Kirklees company has handed over £1,000 to The Welcome Centre following a Christmas collection by staff, which bosses then topped up to match the amount the business gave to its local food bank this time last year.

The charity, which helps those in crisis with food and essential items as well as practical and emotional support, says the money will enable it to feed 19 families for a week. 

This is the third year that First4Lawyers has given its support to The Welcome Centre, one of the largest food banks in the north of England.

In 2019, colleagues took part in a ‘reverse advent calendar’ collection where everyone brought in a new food item every day during December. Last year, the firm also donated £1,000 at Christmas plus a further £500 to mark the launch of its industry white paper.

Emma Greenough, fundraising manager at The Welcome Centre, said: “At present we are supporting more families than ever before, and this donation will help us to provide 19 families with food for a week.

“Demand for our service has risen over the last few months, as people are struggling to make their income stretch due to increased fuel and utility costs, the reduction in universal credit and the increase in food costs.

“2022 is already looking to be our busiest year yet and so the renewed support of businesses like First4Lawyers makes a real difference to our charity.”

Andy Cullwick, head of marketing at First4Lawyers, added: “The Welcome Centre is a lifeline for so many people in our community and that’s why we are proud to support them once again.

“Huddersfield has been the home of First4Lawyers and the home of many of our staff for a long time now.

“While we may not have spent much time in the office over the last 12 months, I do hope this gesture reflects our ongoing commitment to the town.”

During 2020 alone, The Welcome Centre distributed enough food to provide more than 320,000 meals as well as essential items such as toiletries. The charity also provides emotional and practical support to those in need including help with budgeting and grant applications, reading and literacy, and access to a phone or computer.

To find out more about how you can help call 01484 515 086 or visit thewelcomecentre.org.