A food bank that was at risk of having nowhere to operate from is now able to continue its vital service thanks to Esh Construction and framework operator, YORhub, teaming up to deliver an emergency makeover of its new premises.
In preparation for its imminent relocation, the new home of Driffield Wolds Food Bank required a spruce up to enable food and other essentials to be stored safely.
With the help of a generous donation and keen volunteers, the project involved decorating the storage facilities to ensure they meet food hygiene standards as well as providing a clean and safe area for volunteers to work in.
Driffield Wolds Food Bank has been providing emergency food for those in crisis since 2013 and serves a huge part of East Yorkshire, from Pocklington to Bridlington. It is operated by registered charity, Love Driffield, which is also executing plans to create a community hub alongside the food bank.
Esh pledged to support the community project as part of its commitment to YOR4Good – a community grant initiative which supports economic regeneration projects through schemes awarded via YORhub frameworks. Esh is currently on site in the food bank’s catchment area delivering Gypsey Race Park Phase 2.
The collaboration between Esh and YORhub has allowed the food bank to provide continuity of service despite the premises move and crucially ensures that the community can continue to access emergency food and essentials when required. Decorating materials and supplies have also been donated to support the creation of a community hub in the near future.
Michael Sherrard, Contracts Manager at Esh Construction, said: “At Esh, we’re always looking for new ways to support and enrich our local communities. Through a great working relationship with YORhub, we were able to deliver the work quickly which has allowed the food bank to continue providing a much-needed service that many people rely on, even more so during the difficult times brought about by the pandemic.”
Angela Train, Manager and Trustee at Driffield Wolds Food Bank, said: “I can’t express how pleased we are, we were really worried about how we could get this work done in the time frame and it was a complete surprise to be asked if we needed help. We can’t thank you enough, you did a fantastic job.”
Stan Brown, YOR4Good Coordinator at YORhub, said: “Esh really pulled this one out of the bag! The team have been fantastic, organising and completing the task at such short notice and it is very much appreciated. We are proud that YOR4Good was the first social value initiative of its kind in the country and, through contributions donated by the contractors of the YORhub Frameworks, has provided in excess of £1 million of support to local community projects such as the Driffield Wolds Food Bank. We wish them every success.”
Gypsey Race Park Phase 2 (Areas 3 and 4) was procured via the YORhub, YORcivil2 Framework, in partnership with East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The project involves engineering and re-profiling of the land and banks in and around the Gypsey Race watercourse, including landscaping, tree planting, lighting installation, and a new play park.
At Esh, we’re always looking for new ways to support and enrich our local communities. Through a great working relationship with YORhub, we were able to deliver the work quickly which has allowed the food bank to continue providing a much-needed service that many people rely on, even more so during the difficult times brought about by the pandemic.”
