Beckenham mum collects advent calendars for Bromley foodbank

Donna, from Beckenham, was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2023 and has since endured several rounds of invasive surgery, radiotherapy and facial reconstruction.

She was given the all clear eight weeks ago and decided to celebrate by collecting advent calendars for children likely to be facing hardship this Christmas.

Harris Primary Academy in Shortlands contributed 68 advent calendars and raised £202 for Donna’s campaign, all of which she used to buy more calendars.

Theodora of Harris Primary with Head Teacher, Jordan Hollis (Image: Donna) A further 94 were donated by Alexandra Junior School in Penge.

In total, Donna has donated 1,103 advent calendars to Bromley Borough Foodbank.

The charity, established in 2010, operates across the borough to provide emergency food support to families and individuals facing crisis.

It is part of the national network of Trussell foodbanks.

Prior to her illness, Donna worked with children in learning support roles at Bromley schools.

She is not yet well enough to return to work so the advent calendar collection has given her something positive to focus on.

“People who knew what I was going through were so caring and supportive. It meant a lot to me and I was looking for a meaningful way to pass on that kindness,” said Donna, who is also a grandmother.

“I have always loved children so I wanted to give them a little treat, especially if their family might not afford one otherwise.

"All kids love an advent calendar as it gives them something to look forward to.”

Donna previously made use of a foodbank when her children were small and money was tight.

This gives her an insight into the pressure on families at Christmas and some of the difficult decisions parents have to make.

Donna explained: “Advent calendars cost roughly the same as a bag of potatoes which you can make two family meals out of. It’s about priorities."

Bromley Borough Foodbank has supported 6,661 individuals so far in 2024.

This includes 2,388 children.

Around 90 per cent of the food is donated by the community, although there has been a drop in donations this year as more households struggle with the cost of living.

Donna’s collection has surpassed all expectations, according to Bromley Borough Foodbank.

Project Manager, Kate Sing’ombe said: “It’s heartwarming that over a thousand local children experiencing food poverty will receive this special Christmas treat, thanks to Donna and the generosity of all those who supported her collection.

“We work with referral partners, including schools, children’s centres and social workers, to provide emergency food to those who need it most.

"It’s really important for us to be able to honour the spirit of Christmas by including extra treats for those in crisis over the festive period.

"We are so thankful to Donna for choosing to support our charity as part of her cancer journey.

"We admire her commitment to the community and wish her the very best for her ongoing recovery.”