In these extraordinary times, even the expanse of the Atlantic isn’t stopping small businesses from supporting vital community efforts. BSWANKY, a luxury handbag company originating in Floridaand now also located in Sussex, is stepping up to challenges presented by the coronavirus lockdown. They’re partnering with FareShare Sussex, our community’s largest hunger relief organisation, to give back 20% of all sales to fight hunger and tackle food waste.
“Our two businesses, as they come together, are an odd couple,” says Mark Richardson, Fundraising and Communications Manager at FareShare Sussex. “But, in these strange times odd things happen. At FareShare Sussex, we are hoping that this new partnership will introduce us to a different audience who might be interested in making some regular financial contributions that will keep our charity going as we navigate further into this uncharted Covid19 territory.”
Now, their team of seamstresses across the pond are using their talents on a new craft – washable, cloth-based face masks. Masks are being donated to local assisted living homes and Sheriff departments.
The UK’s longest running food redistribution charity, FareShare was born out of the belief that no good food should go to waste, especially when people are going hungry.
Running a social franchise model, Fairshare Sussex reclaim good-to-eat surplus food from manufacturers, suppliers and retailers that would have otherwise been thrown away. This is distributed to around 100 local charities and community projects across East and West Sussex, and parts of Surrey. The food is then turned into thousands of nutritious meals every week for the people who need it most. For the community groups they work with, this service is a much-needed resource.
Find out more bout Fairshare Sussex at: www.faresharesussex.org.uk