Meet our local hero!
Neil is the coordinator of the Community Fridge based at Unity Church, located on the Ramsden Estate in Orpington, doing invaluable work to help the community reduce food waste, meet food needs, and build a sense of community.
Neil was nominated for Mytime Active’s Hero of the Month by Ping, who has volunteered for the Community Fridge for the last two years. She said: “I’ve seen first-hand the incredible amount of work that Neil puts in to helping our local community. Neil goes above and beyond and I was proud to nominate him for Hero of the Month.”
The Local Hero initiative was created by Mytime Active to celebrate people in the community. In recognition of their efforts, Mytime Active is giving winners a free leisure membership.
Neil says: “I am passionate about building a true sense of community, and since retiring five years ago I have become absolutely committed to the Community Fridge and the services it provides to people in the area. The Community Fridge supports local households and helps reduce food waste.
"It is not a food bank. Firstly, people do not need to sign up or be referred to our services - anyone can use it. Secondly, unlike a food bank that tends to stock non-perishable items, such as tinned food, our Community Fridge largely provides fresh food, such as baked products, fruit, vegetables and fresh groceries.
“During the week, I and other volunteers collect unused and unsold fresh food from local stores including Greggs, Waitrose, Tesco and Pret-a-Manger, and through FareShare. This food is then sorted, checked and redistributed on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 9:15 am. I probably spend about 20 hours a week volunteering to ensure that food, which would otherwise have been thrown away, can be used for community benefit. So much food, which is still great to eat, is thrown away and we are passionate about using the food rather than losing it.”
Despite its primary focus being the Ramsden Estate, the Community Fridge helps a significant number of other households in Orpington and beyond. The food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from tables in the church car park (or from inside during bad weather).
Neil continues: “After we have distributed the food, we serve free tea and coffee from the church building. This is often accompanied by activities including community exercise sessions, a job club and life skills sessions. These informal social activities are a great way to build relationships with local families and allow us to listen, chat and signpost to other services in the community.”
Community-spirited as ever, Neil donated his ‘Hero of the Month’ prize, a free membership with Mytime Active, to someone who regularly uses the Community Fridge.
Neil says: “I was very touched to have been nominated for this award. I’m proud of the Community Fridge and all the volunteers who contribute their time and effort to this project. I am grateful for the free membership to Mytime Active, but I decided to donate the prize to a gentleman who regularly attends the Community Fridge. I felt that the membership would be of greater benefit to him. He now frequently goes to the leisure centre, using the pool. Being in the water has helped to alleviate his aches and pains, as well as improve his overall wellbeing, both physically and mentally. I’m so pleased that he is making the best of the membership - it’s been great to see him feeling happier.”
You can find out more about The Community Fridge here: