Limerick food service staff give welcome Christmas boost to local families

STAFF at food production company Sysco Ireland have come together to help people facing poverty this Christmas.

Workers at the firm, based in Newcastle West, are distributing thousands of food boxes as part of Sysco’s ‘purpose month’.

They will work with five good causes across Limerick, which will distribute the boxes filled with food staples and treats.

They are Limerick FoodBank, Limerick Youth Service, St Ita’s Day Care in Abbeyfeale, brain injury charity Headway and the Desmond Ability Resource Complex in Newcastle West.

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Sysco staff in Limerick will join with colleagues in Dublin, Cork and Belfast.

Between them, they will deliver 3,500 food boxes to 42 charities across the island.

Martina O’Donnell, human resources director at Sysco Ireland said: “Purpose Month remains incredibly close to the hearts of everyone at Sysco Ireland and now in its third year, it reflects the collective commitment of our colleagues across the country to live our purpose of ‘Connecting the World to Share Food and Care for One Another’.

Rella Galvin, a rehabilitation services manager at one of the benefitting charities Headway said: “An acquired brain injury can have a significant impact on those affected, leaving individuals with a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional consequences. Our clients are often unable to return to work following their injury which can lead to financial hardship for them and their families.”

Aileen Harnett at the Desmond Complex added: “Our clients are vulnerable people who may not have family or neighbours to look after them so our outreach to the community is very important to these people.”

The boxes will be distributed in the coming days.