Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council, went along to volunteer at a  foodbank run by the Shree Jalaram Mandir (Hindu Temple) in Greenford as part of The Big Help Out on Monday, 8 May.

The Big Help Out was part of the activity to mark His Majesty King Charles III Coronation, a chance to contribute to our own local communities. King Charles has spoken often of his commitment to serving the British people, and he strongly encouraged residents to volunteer over his coronation weekend.

The foodbank is usually open every Tuesday, from 2.30pm to 3.45pm, for anyone who needs help. It provides basic necessities such as rice, flour, cooking oil, vegetables, fruit spices, sugar and much more.

Special coronation foodbank

On Monday, 8 May, the Mandir held a special coronation foodbank as part of the Big Help Out and Councillor Mason, volunteered on the day alongside the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Ealing, Councillor’s Mohinder Midha and Hitesh Tailor, the cabinet member for thriving communities Councillor Jasbir Anand and the King’s representative in Ealing, Deputy Lieutenant Richard Kornicki.

Councillor Mason said: “The whole coronation weekend was an opportunity for us to come together and share a once-in-a-generation moment with family, friends and neighbours. It was also a chance to help out in our local communities and I know that people across the borough did just that.

“The generosity of local communities to help  – not just at special occasions but throughout the year – never fails to move me.

Volunteer locally

“There are volunteering opportunities, big and small, that will suit everyone, and volunteering locally is a great way to get and stay connected. ”

Full details on volunteering opportunities with organisations across the borough can be found at the Do Something Good website.