A break-in and theft from a church and foodbank left its community shocked and disgusted – but delighted by the offers of help from residents and other churches.
The Ebenezer Church in Filton Avenue said that it was ‘deeply saddened’ by what happened at the end of May but gave thanks to all locals and organisations who had rallied round and provided ‘incredible’ kindness and support.
The early-morning break-in resulted in the theft of Items of significant value from both the church and foodbank offices, and the Transit van used by North Bristol and South Gloucestershire Foodbank was also taken from outside the building. At the time, the church posted on social media: “We are deeply saddened by what has happened, but both the church and foodbank remain committed to serving our local communities and continuing to bring practical support, compassion and HOPE.”
The following day, it was announced that the van had been found undamaged overnight, but other items stolen from the church and foodbank, including a safe and laptop, have still not been recovered.
Stewart North, one of the church leaders and chair of trustees at NBSG Foodbank, told the Voice: “There has been progress with the police investigation into the break-in and hopefully some announcement will happen soon.
“The public support with some financial support for the foodbank and the church has been so helpful in covering some of the expenses that insurance doesn’t cover. We have been blown away by the public support and seen an increase also of donations to the foodbank at a time where the foodbank stocks were low anyway.”
He added that the break-in also proved that “in local neighbourhoods, we care about the spaces where we gather to connect and build community and Ebenezer Church is one of those spaces.
“Both the church and foodbank want to continue to look out for those struggling in crisis by offering food and wraparound support and advice to help people work through those tough times in life to a better place. We want to encourage everyone to be looking out for our neighbours in supportive ways.”