The One Can Trust food bank, which is based in High Wycombe, has just been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and the equivalent of an MBE.
The charity, which is run by a small staff team alongside 300 incredible volunteers, provides emergency food parcels to vulnerable individuals and families, as well as other essential services for clients including a clothes bank, toddler group, community café sessions and cookery classes.
Demand has remained alarmingly high since Covid with the continuing cost of living crisis. As it stands, the organisation provides food support to around 650 people a week in High Wycombe and the surrounding areas, around half of whom are children.
Andy Ford, One Can Trust Chair: “Sadly, there are so many people in desperate need in our community but thanks to our incredible army of volunteers we are able to support them through the toughest of times. We’re delighted to be acknowledged with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service and it’s in recognition of the amazing contribution from every single one of our volunteers. We simply couldn’t do it without them.”
The One Can Trust, which was established in 2011, is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.
Representatives of the One Can Trust will receive the award crystal and certificate from Countess Howe, Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. In addition, two volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next year, alongside other recipients.
For more information on the work of the One Can Trust please visit onecantrust.org.uk or visit our Facebook page. If you would like some photos of our work or to speak with a member of the team or a volunteer please email both and jo.belshaw@onecantrust.org.uk and katelouisebrewster@gmail.com
