Leader of Merton, Councillor Stephen Alambritis delivered 14 boxes of food on behalf of staff at the council to a local foodbank.

The food, collected from council staff over one week in December at the Civic Centre, will be added to other contributions from generous Merton residents at the Wimbledon Foodbank. The parcels will help many families in need this Christmas. Since opening in 2011, the foodbank has received 34 tonnes of food helping 4,000 people.

Councillor Alambritis said: “These are tough times for many people and Christmas can be especially hard. The Wimbledon Foodbank is a good initiative which makes a huge difference to many people, not just at Christmas, but all year round.”

Reverend Marcus Bennett  from Wimbledon Foodbank said: “We would like to thank the many generous residents and local churches in Merton, including the council staff who have donated food. It all makes a huge difference to families in the most straightened of financial circumstances.”

Merton Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Alambritis and Rev Marcus Bennet from the Wimbledon Foodbank and Elim Pentecostal Church

For more information about the foodbank visit www.wimbledon.foodbank.org.uk