Debt Centre partnership with Gail's Bakery helps fight poverty in Henley

A PARTNERSHIP between a bakery chain and a debt counselling service provides around 40 families with surplus food each week.

Gail’s Bakery in Market Place has been in partnership with the Henley Debt Centre, based in the d:two centre, for around two years.

The centre, which is supported by the national charity Christians Against Poverty, launched in July 2022 to help residents manage their personal finances and alleviate poverty.

As part of the chain’s efforts to achieve zero food waste, it donates its surplus of food and baked goods to local community projects and charities.

Kheiro Dellali, who has been the manager for about two years, said it is a valuable service to those in need. He said: “We donate pretty much everything because our produce is fresh so we can’t keep anything but how much we donate depends on how well it sells that day.

“I have worked in hospitality for a long time and it hurts to see businesses putting food in the bin because there are a lot of people in need — so it’s a valuable and wonderful thing that people can make use of it.”

Debbie Bruwer, manager of Henley Debt Centre, said: “When I first put the call out to our volunteers to collect the food at closing time, around 6pm, people were so happy to help.

“The food is first distributed to families and individuals in need that we work with, then to people on courses we run like life skills and job club.

“Any additional excess goes to the neighbourhood through commuinty toddler groups and local distribution to bless people.”

She described the partnership as a “blessing” for those in need in the community.

She said: “It’s such a treat and a blessing for people to have the lovely homemade bread and goods, particularly the cinnamon buns, which are a favourite.”

“We’re really grateful for the provision,” she said, “Some people hardly have any food left by the end of the month, so it’s a blessing.

“It also helps us connect better with the community as it makes some people not feel so alone if they haven’t seen anyone on the day and they turn up with a sweet treat or some bread.”

She added: “It’s been an amazing partnership and people have appreciated it. I hope Gail’s feels joy too.”