The Builder’s Arms, in Croydon, has raised more than £1,000 through a hamper raffle and purchased nine trolley-loads of goods for the Esther Community Enterprise Food Bank.
Builders Arms general manager Simon Griffiths at the checkout in Asda
Simon Griffiths, the pub’s big-hearted general manager, put the three hampers together and raised a total of £1,180 through the sale of raffle tickets. The hampers were filled with goodies donated by various suppliers, as well as brewery tours and trips to the Sipsmith gin distillery.
The raffle was drawn on Monday, and Simon and his team immediately headed to the local Asda to fill up with essentials and Christmas treats for the food bank.
“Christmas is a time for giving and my team and I wanted to make sure that as many people in Croydon as possible could eat well on this special day,” said Simon.
“The team at Asda were amazing. We had nine trollies, full of rice, pasta, tinned food, tea and coffee, cereal, and Christmas choccies. When we arrived at the food bank, with two full cars and an Uber XL, the ladies at the food bank were stunned. I think they were expecting a couple of bags of shopping, so it was a bit of a shock to see so much food.
“It was so rewarding to see the delight on their faces and to know that we have made so many people’s Christmases that little bit better. And I think the team at the food bank will be customers for life at The Builder’s Arms.”
Simon added: “I can’t thank my customers enough for their generosity with the raffle tickets. The team at Asda were outstanding, opening a special checkout just for us, and even our Uber driver was amazing and gave up his time to help us unload the food into the food bank. The spirit of Christmas and the season of goodwill is certainly alive and kicking in Croydon.”
