A REDDITCH boy who has set up foodbanks across the borough is launching his fifth site – ‘A Present Bank’ – thanks to the help of supermarket giant Aldi.
Isaac Winfield, who is 12, will open the site offering gifts to families who would otherwise have to go without this Christmas this Wednesday (December 13).
The Present Bank will be stocked with £2,000 worth of children’s Christmas gifts from Aldi’s Specialbuy aisle.
Earlier this year, Isaac made headlines as one of the sheds where his foodbank is located was targeted by burglars. They stole more than £50 worth of food, leaving Isaac with bare shelves and nothing for the local community he had been helping since lockdown. Aldi stepped in and donated £500 worth of groceries to help get the site back on its feet.
‘Santa’s little helper’
Aldi has taken its support of Isaac one step further with the new Present Bank, which will see its range of wooden toys, family games and cosy winter clothing handed out by Isaac and his mum Claire. Residents have now referred to Isaac as ‘Santa’s little helper’.
Isaac, who has a rare chromosome disorder and lives with mum Claire, 43, and brothers Toby, 10, and Jacob, 22, said: “I’m so happy with the donations from Aldi – my shed is so well stocked with gifts for anyone who needs them, just in time for Christmas.
“Christmas can be a stressful time and Isaac wanted to help as many people as possible have a celebration without worrying about what is under the tree.
“He is absolutely ecstatic about the donation and seeing his shelves full with toys and gifts for families he’s dedicated his weekends and spare time to helping is the best Christmas present he could have asked for.”
Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “We’re thrilled we were able to help out Isaac and his local community again.
“His story really struck a chord with us – Isaac continues to do amazing, vital work and helping to ease the mind of families by ensuring there are presents under the tree is certainly an important Christmas gift.”
Isaac started his foodbank with £40 worth of Aldi groceries three years ago in November 2020 during the pandemic to help those that needed it most.
