‘Kindest of strangers’ drops off ‘wad of cash’ for food poverty at Buxton Morrisons

Robert Harrison, a community champion at the supermarket, told how last month the ‘kindest of strangers’ asked for him while queuing outside to do his weekly shop.

Father-of-two Robert said he was ‘shocked’ by the large amount of money the generous stranger gave him - adding ‘it was a really nice gesture’.

He described how the kindhearted shopper - who insisted he take the money but wanted to be anonymous - added ‘I just hope others do the same’.

Delighted Robert said: “The money’s allowed us to bolster donations from our own supplies and has gone to a number of organisations across the borough – as well as individual food packages.”

Robert - who has been community champion at the store for five years - said he was publicising the gift to encourage others to drop off food donations at Morrisons store collection points in Buxton and Chapel-en-le-Frith.

As part of his role Robert helps distribute £1,000-worth of food donated by Morrisons as well as donations from the public every week to High Peak food poverty charities.

Since Covid-19 lockdown began he said there had been a huge increase in the need for food parcels in the area - with Waste Not Want Not giving out more than 1,000 packages.

Buxton’s Street-By-Street support service for isolated shielders has averaged around 100 parcels a week.

Robert said over the last few weeks the anonymous cash donation had been used to feed families across Buxton through the following charitable organisations:

Buxton Street-by-Street Covid 19 group High Peak Food Bank Residents of Fairfield Association Waste Not Want Not Charis House

Robert said: “The community has really come together in Buxton and businesses especially have been very generous at a time when there’s a real need out there.

“While I wouldn’t accept any more money it would be nice if people could maybe donate an item or two to the foodbank collection points in the Buxton or Chapel stores."

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