Connolly donation boosts boroughwide pantry projects

Connolly and RBH

The Your Local Pantry projects across Rochdale borough have received a boost RBH contractor Connolly Ltd made an £800 donation to support the food clubs.

Connolly is currently working in Lower Falinge in central Rochdale helping RBH to deliver the latest phase of refurbishment and investment works. This involves new environmental, public realm, and security improvements to three blocks - including staircase upgrades, new panelling, and a new entry and intercom system.

Your Local Pantry is a network of food clubs aimed at tackling food poverty. RBH supports volunteer groups to run four clubs across the borough - two in Rochdale, one in Smallbridge, and one in Heywood.

Pantry member and local resident Andy said: "The food club is great, it’s a cupboard filler that gets you through towards the end of the week when you are short of cash. It really tops you up and makes ends meet for people who are struggling because of the cost of living. The donation from Connolly Ltd is brilliant!"

More information about the clubs can be found at www.rbh.org.uk/pantry. The donation will be used to provide new stock for the benefit of pantry members. The Connolly team joined pantry members and volunteers at The Strand Community Hub in Kirkholt to hand over a cheque for the donation.

Paul Speakman, senior contracts manager, Connolly Ltd, said: “Having worked with RBH for several years now, we have a great working relationship which ultimately results in a fantastic product for the community. The recent contributions to the food club from our subcontractors as well as Connolly Ltd have proven invaluable to the local community – it gives us great pride to be able to support those in need.”

Zahida Bashir, RBH pantry co-ordinator, said: "A huge thank you to Connolly Ltd for their generous donation. This money will be used to buy essential food items that our pantry customers have said helps them most with their weekly budgeting."