Well, we’ve made it to the end of the year, and what a year it’s been! Many thanks to our hardworking volunteers, our loyal supporters and our donors, because this year has been like no other. We’ve rescued and redistributed almost double the amount we did in 2019 and are on course to have shifted almost 1000 tonnes by the 31st December. That’s just incredible! Well done everyone!
We changed our name from The Real Junk Food Project Birmingham and rebranded as Incredible Surplus, which had been a long time in the making. Thank you for the numerous kind messages of support we received about this. It’s really great that so many of you agree that the new name and branding represents us better as an organisation, and we love our bright, cheerful new look!
We were really fortunate this year to receive grant funding that enabled us to purchase two new electric vehicles, and also to make improvements to the Sharehouse, so big thanks to WRAP, Severn Trent Water, National Lottery, Heart of England Community Foundation Trust, and Groundwork UK, as well as all our regular donors (and occasional donors!) who support us throughout the year to be able to do what we do.
But most of all, 2020 has been about partnerships. We had already built strong links with other local (and national!) organisations, but this year those amazing partnerships have really been pushed to new levels. We’re really proud at how much we’ve stepped up this year and what we have all achieved! Sharing is caring, so thank you to Brum Together, Scrapstore, TAWS, Change Kitchen, Slow Food Birmingham, Fareshare and all our other community partners, large and small who are out there, working hard.
Christmas closures and where to get help
We will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. We’re not absolutely sure of other opening days and times over the festive period as yet, so please do check our Facebook and Twitter for the most up to date information.
If you’re struggling over the Christmas period, you can find a directory of local foodbanks by visiting www.findfoodbanksbrum.org.uk. You can also check out this list of Christmas helpers – organisations giving out food parcels and hot food (which may need to be booked in advance) on days and times from Monday December 21st until January 4th. You may have to Google to find the venue addresses and more exact details, but it’s an excellent starting point if you need help. You can also contact the Listen and Connect service at The Active Wellbeing Society.
Hope you have a good break and we hope to see you next year!
incredible surplus 