THURROCK'S Foodbank charity is asking for local residents' help as it attempts to secure a £1,000 award.

The Corringham-based Foodbank which is linked to Thurrock's Christian fellowship is seeking to get the money by winning a 'Movement For Good' award from the Ecclesiastical financial group.

The specialist insurer group has set aside a pot of money which good causes can bid for.

To help them win it, simply nominate the Thurrock Foodbank.

It's quick and easy to nominate Thurrock Foodbank online. Nominations are open from Wednesday 6 May to Sunday 24 May and you can vote for Thurrock Foodbank online here.

Winners will be drawn at random and the more times Thurrock Foodbank is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.

Mark Hews, Group CEO of Ecclesiastical, says: "We're delighted to announce the launch of Ecclesiastical's Movement for Good awards for the second year running. The coronavirus is having a major impact on charities and many are facing financial difficulties. Our Movement for Good awards will continue to help charities at a time when they need it most and we know that for many charities, £1,000 can make a real difference.

"Giving is at the heart of our business"

"We were thrilled to receive so many nominations from the public last year and this year we are encouraging even more people to nominate a good cause. Ecclesiastical is a unique financial services group.

"We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business."

Nominations will close on Sunday, 24 May.

Thurrock Foodbank was set up in 2012 as an initiative of the local churches in the borough.

After spending six months preparing, identifying partners, setting up our first three foodbank centres, and collecting food it opened in July. Since then the foodbank has grown so that it now has 10 centres spread across the borough and open from Tuesday to Saturday to provide the help that those in food crisis need.

Sandra Sawle, Business Co-ordinator at Thurrock Foodbank, said: "Thurrock foodbank's success is largely down to the enthusiasm of its volunteers and the generosity of local people who want to help their neighbours in a crisis. We truly are a Thurrock project that enables Thurrock people to help one another.

"We are grateful to all our supporters who we hope will now nominate us and increase our chances of winning this award."

Last month Thurrock Nub News visited one of the distribution centres at Chadwell St Mary. You can read about the visit and the people who are doing so much for their local community here.