Huddersfield-based recruitment agency Stafflex has given its support to The Welcome Centre food bank for the fourth successive year, donating £1,000.

Family-run Stafflex has remained open throughout the pandemic providing staff for key sector businesses and education.

The company has always had a strong community focus and supports many local charities and community groups. Stafflex has supported over 30 charities, initiatives and good causes over the last 12 months alone.

The Welcome Centre food bank, which has been supporting the Huddersfield community for more than 20 years, has helped more people than ever in the last year.

Between March and April 2020, when the first lockdown was imposed, they experienced a huge spike in demand, providing more than 60,000 meals in just two months.

The Welcome Centre supports local people in crisis with basic essentials such as food, toiletries and bedding, but also offers advice, guidance and support to those clients who need it.

In the past 12 months, The Welcome Centre has adapted its service and delivers essential packs to clients’ homes as well as supporting clients through telephone advice.

Nemi Alexis, marketing manager at Stafflex, said: “We’re committed to supporting our local community and we’ll continue to do so throughout this pandemic.

“The Welcome Centre has seen a huge increase in activity due to Covid-19 and it’s great that our funding can help provide support for those individuals and families that need it the most.

Nemi Alexis of Staffex at The Welcome Centre food bank. Pic by: Heather Magner of Northern Exposure Photography

“We look forward to being able to volunteer at the food bank and warehouse once restrictions have been lifted and, of course, it is safe to do so.

“Although this has been an extremely challenging time for everyone including ourselves, we’re optimistic about the future as the Covid-19 outlook looks promising with the successful roll-out of the vaccination programme.”

Emma Greenough, fundraising manager at The Welcome Centre, said: “Over the last 12 months, we have supported hundreds of new clients affected by the pandemic. They have come to us due to job loss, reduced income, furlough, mental health issues and relationship breakdown.

“For those clients who have never accessed the benefits system before, many are unaware of the five-week wait for Universal Credit before they receive any financial support.

“This renewed support from Stafflex shows their dedication to their local community and provides us with the finances needed to ensure those most in need don’t go hungry.

“A donation of £1,000 means a lot to us, and we welcome more charity minded businesses like Stafflex to show their support.”

Donate to The Welcome Centre HERE.