Christmas foodbank collection
Stansted Airport staff have put their traditional Christmas advent calendar into reverse this year to help people in food crisis this winter.
In the run-up to the big day, instead of receiving chocolate from a calendar they have been busy gathering food, toiletries, baby supplies, and household items for Bishop’s Stortford, Harlow, and Braintree foodbanks.
Airport security advisor Brenda Watts from Braintree, who has been coordinating the collection, said: “The reverse advent calendar seemed the perfect opportunity to get into the festive spirit and provide support for the those in the local community who might be in need at this time of year. Our local foodbanks are incredible and make such a difference, so I really wanted to lend a helping hand this Christmas.”
The airport has also sponsored a performance of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at South Mill Arts in Bishops Stortford and donated 180 tickets to charities and families in the local area.
Paul Chambers from TouchPoint Stansted, one of the charities to receive tickets, said: “It was wonderful to be offered pantomime tickets by Stansted Airport. We work with families in the Stansted area who like many are finding this time of year very difficult. The opportunity to visit the pantomime will offer some much-needed cheer to the festive season.”
Meanwhile, airport employees are wearing Christmas jumpers during December to raise money for Save the Children.
The airport’s People Director, Jane Long, said: “Colleagues have shown incredible generosity over the years in helping those who need that extra bit of support to get through what can be quite stressful time. Once again, staff at Stansted have come together to support local and national charities and spread some joy to families locally and further afield.”
The airport has a long-standing relationship with local foodbanks delivering over 20 tonnes of items to centres in the area over the last four years.
Items surrendered by passengers at airport security are regularly donated by the airport and transported by volunteers to various locations throughout Essex, East Herts, and Uttlesford.