The Saffron Day Club, based at Stanley Wilson Lodge Care Home in Saffron Walden, recently welcomed local residents, charities and community organisations for a special Foodbank Awareness and Donation Day in partnership with Uttlesford Foodbank.

Organised by Debby, Manager of The Saffron Club, alongside Kendra, Sales & Marketing Business Partner, with support from Lifestyle Coordinators Natalie and Bruna, the event invited the local community to donate food, toiletries and other everyday essentials, while learning more about the support available to those who may need it.

At The Saffron Club, community involvement is at the heart of everything they do. The team is always looking for new and meaningful ways to work alongside local charities, organisations and businesses because of this belief: ‘everyone benefits when communities come together’. 

Throughout the day, visitors were welcomed with refreshments and the opportunity to meet Des from Uttlesford Foodbank, who hosted a stand packed with useful information about the charity. Des spoke with visitors about the work of the foodbank, how people can access support if they ever find themselves in need, and the many different ways local people can get involved, whether through donating, volunteering or fundraising.

One of the highlights of the day was a collaborative session between Des and one of Stanley Wilson Lodge's talented cooks, who sat together to develop a selection of simple, nutritious and budget-friendly recipes using ingredients commonly found in food parcels. These recipe cards will soon be included in parcels distributed by Uttlesford Foodbank, providing practical meal ideas to help families make the most of the food they receive.

The event was made even more memorable by a surprise visit from The Mayor of Saffron Walden, Councillor Jeanette Curtis, who spent time chatting with members of The Saffron Club, people living at Stanley Wilson Lodge, visitors and team members. Her visit was warmly received and demonstrated the importance of local organisations working together.

Also joining the event was Laura from Action for Family Carers. During the day, Laura and Kendra discussed opportunities to work together in the future, exploring ways The Saffron Club and Stanley Wilson Lodge could support unpaid carers through future community initiatives and partnerships. These conversations have already opened the door to exciting opportunities that will benefit local people.

Generous donations of food, toiletries and household essentials were received throughout the day, highlighting the kindness and generosity of the Saffron Walden community. Every donation, whether large or small, will help support individuals and families across Uttlesford who are facing difficult times.

Foodbanks have become an essential lifeline for many people. Rising living costs mean that more families than ever are having to make impossible choices between heating their homes, paying bills and putting food on the table. Donations from local communities help ensure that nobody has to face those challenges alone. Events like this not only provide practical support but also raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage conversations about how we can all make a difference.

The day also showcased everything The Saffron Club has to offer. Open to older people living in the local community, the day club provides friendship, companionship, engaging activities, freshly prepared meals and the chance to enjoy meaningful days in a safe, welcoming environment. It offers members the opportunity to stay active, make new friends and remain connected to their community, while also providing respite and reassurance for family carers.

The success of the event has already led to an ongoing partnership between The Saffron Club and Uttlesford Foodbank. Following the day, The Saffron Club has committed to becoming a monthly donation point, with a collection crate permanently available for people to donate food and essential toiletries throughout the year. The regular collection will help ensure a steady supply of much-needed items for local people facing hardship, while giving everyone who visits the club the opportunity to support an important local cause.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Kendra Bray, Sales & Marketing Business Partner, said:

"This was so much more than a food collection. It was about bringing people together, building relationships and showing what can be achieved when local organisations work in partnership. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who donated and supported the event, and it was wonderful to welcome Councillor Jeanette Curtis along too. One of the biggest successes for me was the new connections we've made, particularly with Uttlesford Foodbank and Action for Family Carers, which have already led to discussions about future projects. I'm also delighted that The Saffron Club will now become a permanent monthly donation point for Uttlesford Foodbank, allowing members and the wider community to continue supporting such an important local charity. Community is at the heart of everything we do at The Saffron Club, and we're always looking for new ways to open our doors, support local organisations and create opportunities for people to come together. I'd also like to say a huge thank you to Debby, Natalie and Bruna, whose enthusiasm and hard work helped make the day such a success."

Debby Jack, Manager of The Saffron Club, added:

"Members absolutely loved welcoming so many people into The Saffron Club and seeing the community come together for such an important cause. Days like this show that we're much more than a day club – we're a place where friendships are made, connections are built and everyone is welcome. We can't wait to host more events like this in the future."