At LHC, we believe in the importance of community and giving back. That’s why we are proud to offer our team members 1.5 days of paid leave each year to help at a charity of their choice.
Recently, our Technical Support Officer, Eres Tedla Tekeste, took up this opportunity. Following a personal recommendation from a client, Eres chose to spend her volunteer day at the Eastend Homes Food Bank, dedicating her time to a cause that is making an obvious difference in the local community.
A morning of preparation and teamwork
Eres’s day started bright and early. The morning was all about preparation. She was on hand to receive a crucial delivery from The Felix Project, a fantastic organisation that takes surplus food from the food industry that would otherwise go to waste.
Working alongside Paul Wilson and Wayne McAllister, Eres helped unload the van. It was a team effort to sort through the incoming produce and place the items into the correct baskets and storage areas. This initial work was vital, ensuring that the food bank was fully stocked and ready to serve the clients arriving later in the day.
The afternoon
While the morning was about logistics, the afternoon was about people. Once the shelves were stocked and the parcels were organised, it was time for the distribution to begin.
Eres transitioned from unloading to serving, helping to give food directly to the people who rely on the service. She also spent time sorting out parcels and tidying up the workspace at the end of the shift. It was a busy afternoon, but one that highlighted the importance of the day-to-day operations that keep the food bank running.
A rewarding experience
For Eres, the day was a deeply rewarding experience.
"It made me feel proud to contribute to a service that supports people facing difficult circumstances within the local community," Eres shared. "It’s one thing to know that food banks exist, but it’s another to see the operation firsthand and know that your efforts help get food to the people who need it most."
Eres’s day at Eastend Homes Food Bank was an opportunity to step away from the usual work, connect with the local community, and make an impact.
