REDDITCH youngster Isaac Winfield has won the Young Person Award at Platform Housing Group’s Community Heroes Awards.
Isaac, aged 13, has already made a remarkable impact in his local community, dedicating his time and energy to tackling food insecurity in the town.
He started Friends of Isaac’s Food Bank in November 2020 in a pop-up greenhouse on his driveway to help people struggling over Christmas.
Since then, the charity has grown and now has sheds across six locations dedicated to helping combat food insecurity in the borough.
The foodbank also has a team of 10 volunteers who help run the day-to-day activities while Isaac attends school.
For his 13th birthday, Isaac decided, instead of presents, he wanted enough donations to fill his van for the foodbank.
The charity also have a seventh site planned, distributing around 5,000 to 6,000 food parcels each year.
With the help of ten volunteers, two vans and a warehouse, he’s built a 365-day-a-year service that makes food available to all – no referrals needed.
Isaac’s compassion doesn’t stop there. He has also sent solar-powered phone chargers and medical supplies to Ukraine and distributed serious bleed kits in his community following the tragic loss of his brother’s friend to knife crime.
Chris Colley, community engagement officer at Platform Housing Group, said: “Isaac is an incredibly inspiring young man.
“His determination to make a difference at such a young age is extraordinary.
“He has already created a lasting impact in his community and it’s clear that his efforts will continue to benefit many for years to come.
“His work with the food banks and his other charitable initiatives is truly exceptional.”
Isaac said: “I just want to help people who are struggling.
“I’ve seen the difference a small act of kindness can make and I want to make sure no one has to go without food.
“I’m so grateful to all my volunteers and supporters for helping make this happen.”
Claire Simmons, Isaac’s Mum and nominator for the award, said: “Isaac is passionate about helping others and I’m so proud of everything he’s achieved.
“He’s been doing this for so many years now and to see how much he’s grown as a person and as a leader is incredible. His dedication to helping those in need is inspiring.”
