A customer assistant who works at Booths supermarket in Keswick has been inspired by a 70s hit song to raise money to help fill the shelves of the North Lakes Food Bank with vital supplies.
Barry Cox, 63, (pictured) says he has adapted a hit song from his youth by Paul Simon as his inspiration to fundraise for the North Lakes Food Bank which is based in Cockermouth.
“I was humming one of Paul Simon’s 70’s hits of my youth from the album Still Crazy after All these Years, and I thought maybe it could be an inspiration to raise funds for the local foodbank. So, I adapted the song ‘50 Ways to Leave your Lover’ to ‘50 Ways to Live Your Lockdown’,” said Barry.
“Initially I thought I would just send people I know 50 quirky lockdown-inspired photos to gain donations from my network of friends and family, but the whole idea has gathered a bit of pace and we’ve raised nearly £2,000.00. Each day I post photos to remind people to donate to the food bank. Booths have generously offered to support my campaign by supplying key groceries at cost price.
“The scheme is a win all round as food banks are welcoming food donations over cash donations during the crisis, so with the help of Booths we are able to make use of logistics and make valuable donations stretch a bit further. Lots of families may find themselves in uncertain circumstances for the very first time, and foodbanks are an important safety net. Tourism is the Cumbria’s biggest industry and people are facing some particularly challenging times.”
Keswick Booths store manager Matt Welsh said: “We’re really proud of Barry’s efforts, Booths operates at the very heart of local communities. We can all play our part to help families to cope in these uncertain times.”
Barry, who has worked for Booths for 12 years after managing a hotel in the Lake District, added: “My church in town and Booths support the Foodbank anyway, but I thought we could just step it up a bit during this crisis. It’s been great to feel part of a wider community and help make life a bit easier for families struggling to put food on the table.”
Anyone wishing to support Barry’s fundraising efforts for the North Lakes Food Bank can donate at JustGiving.com – all money raised will go to the food bank.
