Harlow foodbank scoops £6,275 NatWest CommunityForce Award

December 2011 

Michael Roberts Charitable Trust (MRCT) who are based at The Rainbow Centre, in Harlow are celebrating winning a £6,275 NatWest CommunityForce award.

In July this year NatWest launched CommunityForce, a new initiative to help support local charities, organisations and groups to raise publicity for their work and attract volunteers.  The programme also provided the opportunity for three groups in each of the bank’s 131 CommunityForce areas to win awards of £6,275 each.  Organisations and charities applied for awards during the summer and an online public vote took place to decide which three organisations in each area would receive the awards.

Over 5,000 eligible charities and community projects in England and Wales applied to take part in CommunityForce and over 360,000 votes were cast.

Michael Roberts Charitable Trust (MRCT) applied to CommunityForce because the charity wanted to further develop the Harlow Foodbank Satellite Centre service.  The CommunityForce, which forms part of the Bank’s Customer Charter, offers organisations more than just financial support.  By applying for the awards, local charities and projects became part of a local online network giving them greater visibility and the opportunity to attract volunteers from the local area.  NatWest staff is also getting involved by volunteering their time and expertise.

Gary Knott, Director of Community Services says:

“We are delighted to have won a NatWest Community Force award which highlights the valuable contribution Harlow Foodbank is making on the local community; we would like to thank everyone who voted for us”.