An East Belfast dad has hit out at those who broke into a foodbank van, ruining supplies meant for families like his.
The father-of-three, who asked to remain anonymous, said Compassion Belfast saved Christmas for his three children after he was laid off last year.
The Ulster Temple Church initiative provides food packages for families in need through its Living Room project, as well as those sleeping rough on the city’s streets.
Their van, which was jam-packed with donations bound for three other food banks they support, was broken into and the produce ruined overnight.
Compassion Belfast project co-ordinator Jim McGardle told Belfast Live: “One of the staff members arrived in today to see that our van was sitting with back doors open and a load of food was all over the car park and a window had been smashed.
“One of the projects Compassion Belfast run is called the Living Room, which is a foodbank.
“We also support three others throughout the city as we are in a very unique position that we can give away produce.
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“Dale Farm are a big sponsor of ours. They give us more than we can use so we then pass it onto other foodbanks.
“On a Tuesday morning our van is loaded up with what we don’t use and we take it out.
“All the stuff which is now lying in our car park was meant to go to other foodbanks today, so it’s just an absolute waste.
“The broken window is a real inconvenience and it’s a real hassle because as a charity we don’t have disposable income to throw about on needless things like that, but what’s really annoying is all that food that could have been with people needing it this morning.”
A Living Room visitor, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I get food off them. They were very good to my family.”
The struggling dad hit out at those behind the “senseless” attack.
“A lot of people are going without and a lot of people are struggling,” he added.
“These people are trying to help them put food in their kids' mouths.
“I have three kids, 12, 15 and nine. At Christmas they gave us toys and hampers. They are very, very generous people.
“I got laid off last September and every ha'penny is going into try and pay the mortgage and keep our heads above water - which we are doing.
“I had to sell my car and everything.
“I have never been out of work in my life.
“But I have three kids and they wouldn’t have got anything at Christmas, and they must have sent round about £500 worth of toys and a food hamper with about £40 worth of food in it.
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“These people don’t take a penny from the community, they even do fun days and barbecues.
“Without that charity, apart from Christmas, I wouldn’t have had some meals at night.
“Their foodbank gives you food for three days, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“I have been there five times, they give you a wee card and there’s four visits on it. If you need them, you use them.
“They don’t ask questions and they don’t even call it a foodbank.
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“They call it the Living Room, because it’s set up like that. You go in and they give you tea and coffee and they give the kids juice.
“They are really, really lovely people who are doing things in the community.”
It is understood the break-in was one of a number reported in the Ravenhill area over night.
The PSNI has been contacted for comment.
Click here to help Compassion Belfast reach more people in need. You can also drop any donations at New 2 You at 137 Ravenhill Road or at UT Church.
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