Harris Group donates LDV van in aid of Bluebell community food bank

The community of Bluebell in west Dublin has welcomed the official opening of a new food bank which took place earlier this month. 

“The People’s Food Bank was set up by an amazing group of people who saw a need within their community as a result of Covid-19 and fulfilled it,” said Harris Group CEO Denise Harris. “Covid-19 has taught us all a very strong lesson in caring for others, particularly those most vulnerable and this is certainly the case with Bluebell Community Council.”

Present at the launch by invitation of the Bluebell Community Council, Mrs Harris presented The People’s Food Bank with a new LDV van, proudly donated by Harris Group, to help with food deliveries. 

The People’s Food Bank was formally opened 1st October, but it has already been delivering food to 300 families weekly within the local community for more than 6 months. 

As reported in the Irish Times, founders Tommy Coombes, manager of Bluebell Community Development Project (CDP) and Pastor Jimmy Dunne of Bluebell Community Church began this initiative from the back of a car in response to an increasing need caused by COVID-19. Now they deliver more than 2.4 tonnes of food each week. 

“In a very sad way the pandemic has brought out tremendous good in people. We hope that this good will continue on in people’s hearts and lives after Covid-19,” Mrs Harris commented. 

“We wish them good health and safe driving so that they can continue their fantastic work within their own community and further afield.”