August 2024 Newsletter

Hello Anna! Welcome to your monthly update from The Food Chain

Newsletter Content:

  • Feature: Farewell to Richard Mills
  • What's coming up
  • What's been happening
  • Ways to support our work

Feature: Farewell to Richard Mills

This month we say a fond farewell to Richard Mills, The Food Chain's Director of Income Generation & Partnerships. Richard has been with us since December 2020 when he came on board as Trusts Fundraiser, bringing with him a wealth of experience from both the public and third sector. When Siobhán Lanigan left her post as Chief Executive in December 2022, Richard was the natural choice to step in to a new co-Director role. Since then he has been instrumental in establishing a new leadership model for The Food Chain, taking responsibility for securing our income streams as well as working collaboratively on our strategic direction.


Richard's talents, instincts, genuine passion and level head have brought so much to The Food Chain over the last few years. Not only in terms of strategic leadership and income generation, but he was also the first person to bring Nutella donuts into our lives. 


We will miss Richard greatly, but are excited for his next adventure. Some words from him: "After three and a half very rewarding and happy years at The Food Chain, I am leaving to pursue a new challenge in the charity sector. I've always been amazed at the hard work and dedication of the many volunteers that support the most vulnerable people living with HIV from across the whole of London. As we always say nobody ever really leaves and I look forward to attending a Food Chain event in the not so distant future."


Recruitment is underway for a new Director of Income Generation, so watch this space for updates.

What's coming up

August BH Fundraising Crawl

Saturday 24th August, Soho


Join us for a fundraising pub crawl this August Bank Holiday weekend! We'll be visiting our friends in the LGBTQ+ bars of central London to collect donations, and are looking for a few more volunteers. You'll be given a fetching green T shirt, a collection tin and a full briefing, and you'll always be accompanied by a staff member and some experienced volunteers who can show you the ropes. Email Helen on volunteering@foodchain.org.uk to find out more!

It’s a Knockout drag competition

Tuesdays in September, Halfway to Heaven


One of the highlights in the London drag calendar is the It's a Knockout drag competition. Hosted every Tuesday in September by Halfway to Heaven, we have been chosen as their charity partner and they will be fundraising for us at each event. We are so grateful for their support! More details to follow but we are looking for fundraising volunteers to join us at each event (Tuesday 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th) to help fundraise whilst enjoying the show. No previous experience required, simply email Helen on volunteering@foodchain.org.uk to sign up.

*New Date** Fundraising Dinner

Friday 13th September


A new date has been set for our wonderful volunteer Jason's British Asian Banquet. Join us for an evening to celebrate two of the things that make The Food Chain a success: our friends, and our food!


The menu includes crispy samosas, hearty curries, delicious thalis and is veggie, vegan and gluten-free friendly. See the full menu here.


Tickets are £40 per person and there will be wine, beer and soft drinks available on the night in return for a donation. To book please email kitchen@foodchain.org.uk. Hope to see you there!

World AIDS Day RED RUN

Saturday 23rd November


The World AIDS Day RED RUN returns this winter for its 14th year! On Saturday 23rd November we'll be lacing up to run or walk 10K or 5K around Victoria Park in East London. The Red Run is a great community event celebrating solidarity in the HIV sector, welcoming friends old and new, and raising awareness of support organisations across the country. Sign up today and select The Food Chain as your charity of choice!

What's been happening

£1-on-the-bill fundraising campaign

Summer 2024


Thanks to our amazing partners, we're thrilled to announce that our summer restaurant "£1 on the bill" fundraising campaign has generated over £12,000 for The Food Chain. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with so many highly regarded restaurants, and for the kindness and support of their owners, managers and staff. Money raised makes a vital difference in our ability to continue to deliver our charitable services.


Huge thank you to all the participating restaurants, and to our patron Jay Rayner for supporting the campaign. We are so grateful.

Ways to support our work

Engage your workplace


Does your employer, team, network or activity club choose charity partners? Do you have CSR programmes? Do your colleagues like hosting bake sales, quiz nights and food drives? Then we'd love to hear from you!


We have a history of building lasting partnerships with companies and finding creative ways to keep employees engaged with our vital work. Our corporate brochure is a great way to get the word out, so please do share widely with your networks and encourage people to get in touch! Find out more here.

Give while you shop


Give as you Live Online is a free and easy way to raise money for your favourite charity, just by shopping online. Simply sign up for free at Give as you Live and choose The Food Chain as your chosen charity

Over 4,000 shops and sites will donate to The Food Chain for FREE when you use easyfundraising to shop with them, so you can support us no matter what you're buying.

Become a monthly donor


Individual giving is a lifeline to The Food Chain. As little as £5 a month would make a huge difference in ensuring we can continue to provide our vital support - for every pound donated we spend 89p on charitable services. Setting up a payment is simple: just visit our donation page and select the “I’d like to give regularly” option to get started.

“Thank you so much for the support. The Dietitian's advice was so helpful, I have been eating better and going for walks when the weather is good. I feel like my face is glowing!!” 

Donate to support our work
With best wishes

Chris Buckley

Chair of Trustees

If you have any comments or suggestions on how we can improve future newsletters, please send your thoughts to fundraising@foodchain.org.uk and we'll be in touch. 
 
The Food Chain (UK) Ltd | Registered Charity 1003014 | 020 7843 1800
www.foodchain.org.uk
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