Three-week campaign raises around £500 worth of food donations for Homeless Aid UK in Bolton
A three-week food donation campaign organised by the Bolton Malayalee Association (BMA) has concluded with the handover of food supplies worth around £500 to Homeless Aid UK, as part of the association’s Gandhi Jayanti initiative.
The campaign was organised to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to promote his enduring message of service, compassion and care for those in need.
The donated food parcels were handed over by a BMA delegation comprising Food Donation Campaign Coordinators Mr Philip Kochitty and Mr Romy Kuriakose, BMA President Mr Aniyankunj Zachariah and Committee Member Mr Jaison Joseph.
The handover took place in the presence of Mr Billa Ahmed, Co-Founder of Homeless Aid UK, and other volunteers.
Mr Ahmed expressed his gratitude to BMA members and their families for their generous contribution, stressing the importance of community support at a time when food banks are facing increasing demand.
Homeless Aid UK provides food and other support to people experiencing homelessness and financial hardship through food banks, soup kitchens and other community initiatives across the UK. The organisation currently supports an average of around 500 people every week.
The BMA initiative followed a report in a local newspaper highlighting a reduction in food donations received by food banks at a time when demand for their services has been increasing.
Following the report, Mr Philip Kochitty, a prominent Bolton-based charity worker and Founding President of BMA, contacted Homeless Aid UK to explore how the association could help. This led to BMA launching a three-week food collection campaign, which received strong support from members and their families.
The decision to conclude the campaign on Gandhi Jayanti gave the initiative added significance, linking the practical act of supporting people in need with Gandhi’s philosophy of service and concern for the welfare of others.
‘A small contribution can make a meaningful difference’
Food Donation Campaign Coordinator Mr Philip Kochitty said the campaign demonstrated how community organisations can make a practical contribution to people facing hardship.
“The response from our members and their families has been extremely encouraging. At a time when food banks are experiencing growing demand, it is important for community organisations to come forward and support those who need help. Even a small contribution can make a meaningful difference, and BMA is committed to continuing its support for such worthwhile initiatives.”
‘Compassion must be translated into action’
Food Donation Campaign Coordinator Mr Romy Kuriakose said the campaign reflected the strength of community solidarity and the importance of turning concern for others into meaningful action.
“Gandhi Jayanti gave us a meaningful opportunity to put the values of service, compassion and care into practice. The generous response from BMA members and their families made this campaign possible. Supporting people who are facing hardship should be an ongoing community responsibility, and BMA will continue to organise and support initiatives that make a positive difference.”
BMA President Mr Aniyankunj Zachariah expressed his sincere thanks to all members, families and volunteers who supported the campaign.
“On behalf of BMA, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to every member and family who contributed to this campaign. Their generosity, participation and commitment have once again demonstrated the strong community spirit within BMA.”
BMA, one of the UK’s early Malayalee community associations, has been actively involved in the social, cultural and charitable activities of the Malayalee community in Bolton for more than two decades.
The association said it would continue to undertake community initiatives aimed at responding to local needs and supporting vulnerable members of society.
BMA office-bearers also conveyed their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who donated food items and supported the campaign, making the initiative a meaningful community effort on Gandhi Jayanti.
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