The milk of Humans kindness

WHEN CHARITY COULD NO LONGER AFFORD TO PAY MUM SHE STAYED ON AS A VOLUNTEER TO HELP GIVE A LIFELINE TO PEOPLE IN NEED

- GRETA SIMPSON

WHEN Blackley foodbank Humans MCR was threatened with closure, staff member Claire knew she had a decision to make.

She'd been taken on more than a year ago as a paid member of staff, packing emergency parcels for people in need across Greater Manchester.

But when the charity got into financial difficulties last summer, bosses could no longer afford to keep paying her. She was let go in August.

"I was paid to do the packing, but there were other people who came in and gave up their time voluntarily," Claire said. "I really admired their commitment - and it gave me the sense that it's something I'd like to do.

"So now, once a week, I do the same.

It's the satisfaction of feeling you're helping making a difference to people's lives, and knowing that people are going to receive the parcels you're packing"

Claire retired around threeyears-ago and has been working with Humans since 2022 - through the ups and downs of post-Covid and the cost of living crisis.