Retirement with a Difference
Wednesdays at Southwark Foodbank
By Virginia
Since 2017, Virginia has been volunteering at Southwark Foodbank, first behind a desk, and now out on the road delivering food parcels by e-cargo bike. This is her account of what a typical Wednesday looks like at the foodbank office, and why the role means so much to her – and why we appreciate our volunteers.
‘… my role was desk-based, updating the foodbank’s referral agency records. But a few years ago, the team needed a volunteer delivery rider and since everyone knew I was a cyclist… here I am. Riding out, rain or shine, is always good...‘
It’s Wednesday – my day for volunteering at the foodbank. I arrive around 10am to find four food parcels ready to be delivered to clients on the e-cargo bike.
When I first started volunteering in 2017, my role was desk-based, updating the foodbank’s referral agency records. But a few years ago, the team needed a volunteer delivery rider and since everyone knew I was a cyclist… here I am. Riding out, rain or shine, is always good. Potholes are a nuisance, and the numbering systems on Southwark housing estates can be baffling. But when you finally arrive, it’s rewarding to hand food directly to someone who truly needs it. The foodbank only delivers in exceptional cases – to people who can’t leave their homes and have no one else to collect their parcel. Most of the people I visit are sick, stressed, or disabled, yet despite these challenges, many are content, warm and friendly. Their stories can be daunting, but their resilience is humbling. I never stop learning from them.
Back at the office, I switch to admin tasks. Alongside updating referral agency records, I pitch in wherever needed: stock-taking, entering data, running searches, answering queries, folding leaflets, laminating posters, and, of course, making myself the occasional cup of coffee.
‘When I retired, I worried I might feel adrift.
Volunteering has been my anchor.’
‘So yes, I look forward to Wednesdays. And Fridays too! That’s when I head to Kent, by bike and train, for my other volunteering role: helping care for 15 alpacas, four goats, several chickens, and one bunny rabbit.’
Before lockdown, I also helped at the Thursday Peckham Methodist Foodbank session. One day, a client mentioned a local church offering free sandwiches daily. This led to a project. The manager and local council wanted a proper list of all the places in Southwark providing free or low-cost food and meals. I volunteered to cycle around the borough, visiting churches, community groups, and charities to compile it. That list is now maintained by the Southwark Food Action Alliance (SFAA), which has also created a food map on its website. I still help SFAA with updates, knowing what’s out there is invaluable for clients and referral agencies alike.
When I retired, I worried I might feel adrift. Volunteering has been my anchor. It gives me structure, a sense of purpose, and the joy of working alongside a committed, friendly team. I hope the work I do makes a difference to others. I know it’s made a difference to me.
So yes, I look forward to Wednesdays. And Fridays too! That’s when I head to Kent, by bike and train, for my other volunteering role: helping care for 15 alpacas, four goats, several chickens, and one bunny rabbit. I’m very lucky to have these opportunities in my life.
Our volunteers are important to Pecan’s work, so we make sure they are part of our social events too. Here is Virginia at the Trussell’s Christmas Carol Service – L to R: Genevieve (Foodbank Manager), Robin from Bankuet and Southwark Foodbank volunteers Virginia and Maggy.
To volunteer with Southwark Foodbank, please contact Daniel: foodbank.support@pecan.org.uk
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