Tesco Fratton - Working For The Local Community!

On Thursday evening, I would usually be lying on a sofa watching television, in between blogging of course; however this week, I took part in something a little different. My employer Tesco had organised an evening, where employees could see where all the food and other consumables it donates, goes to. The local store I am a part of, based in Fratton has much to be proud of, community is at its heart and can be seen in store everyday. It is the first time in many years I have felt a part of a team, that works together to make a difference to the people that they serve. Like all areas, Fratton has its fair share of deprivation and poverty; there is a need for large organisations like Tesco to play a part in helping those less fortunate. On Thursday I witnessed 'community in action' as my colleagues pulled out all the stops to make peoples lives a little easier for one evening; where they could sit, have something to eat and enjoy each others company, forgetting their difficulties for a few hours.

I spent an evening, with colleagues at 'Food Cycle' in Fratton, one of the charities Tesco champions. I helped prepare a meal for around fifty local residents, made from the food Tesco and other large businesses donated. Chopping vegetables, peeling potatoes and helping serve the guests at Kings Church in Portsmouth, all part of this unique occasion. It was a busy evening, but I did find the time to share a few words and conversations with those in attendance. Everyone was grateful and pleased at what Tesco was doing to help their local neighbourhood. Shaking hands, a pat or two on the back and a smile of appreciation from the people that took time to attend this humbling evening, on such a rainy night, was all I needed to understand the importance of such local benevolence.

I am proud to work for an organisation that puts people first and works to make the community it serves a little better to live in. I have personally worked for many different businesses and charities, but haven't experienced this kind of community undertaking before. Being able to see just where charitable donations go is important for people like me, who have a moral compass to uphold. I have always volunteered in one capacity or another; as a society I feel we have a duty to do so. I am not a millionaire and struggle to get by, just like everyone else, but if I can spare some time, to help others I will. Life isn't just about money and how much we have, it is about doing what we feel is right and playing a small part in helping to change peoples lives. I understand what it is like to fall on hard times, we are all at the mercy of events, our own circumstances could change quicker than we think; for that reason we need to understand the significance of giving back to those who need it, as Tesco did tonight and will continue to do in future!