On a tour of the Down Presbytery, Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Richard Kerr, visited Fountain Foodbank.
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Serving the community at Fountain Foodbank
Managed by Downpatrick Presbyterian Church, Fountain Foodbank was established in March 2015 and has volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. The group faithfully serve anyone in the Downpatrick and wider Lecale area who may find themselves in difficult circumstances.
Volunteer Coordinator, Shirley Lennon commented, “As Christians we want to offer compassion as well as food. The idea behind the name came from the base in Fountain Street but it hints at the idea of a fountain overflowing with generosity to the surrounding community. We used to be a church with little community contact, and the foodbank has helped us connect more. Helping people in practical ways is vital if we are to show God’s love.”
During his visit on Thursday 5 November, the Moderator helped volunteers to pack food parcels containing non-perishable food, a butcher’s voucher, some fresh vegetables and a selection of toiletries and cleaning products. These parcels were given to clients during the Friday morning open session, which around 30 families avail of each week. The wider community generously supports the work of the foodbank by faithfully providing donations.
Minister Owen Patterson said, “Our greatest desire is that our community will come to know Jesus. The foodbank and other community-based work, give Christians here, the opportunity to speak to others, about his life changing power.”
Shirley explained, “As Christians we believe that God is behind the provision and it has been humbling to see him at work through our generous donors. We have seen ‘minor’ miracles, like exactly 13 pints of milk being donated on a morning when 13 parcels were ordered! Welcoming the Moderator has been great especially as it helps recognise the service many Christians give every week.”