THE Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface has presented its 2020 Citizen of the Year award to Chris Parsons, who is the co-ordinator of Crediton Foodbank, the Christians Together in Crediton initiative.

The presentation was made by the club president, Rotarian Paul Radnor.

The award included a framed certificate, engraved shield and a donation of £100 from Rotary to the charity of Chris’s choice, which was Crediton Foodbank.

The certificate says that the award is presented to Chris Parsons “in gratitude and appreciation of her outstanding service to the people of Crediton Town and District”.

Rotarian Paul Evans said that the annual Rotary Citizen of the Year Award was started by the Rotary Club of Crediton in 1993.

Following the presentation, Chris said: "I would like to thank Crediton Rotary Club for the recognition of the hard work that has gone on at Crediton Foodbank this year.

“Sadly numbers of people needing to use the Foodbank is once again spiking to numbers we were seeing in April and the first lockdown. More and more people are losing their jobs and being made redundant.

“It has been a hard year but also a year of great blessing, as people in the community have come forward and donated food and money, some of it ongoing, enabling the Foodbank to become sustainable for 2021.

“This Christmas is no different as school staff, businesses and individuals have donated money instead of receiving presents themselves. Many children have also made special food collections in their classes or done reverse advent calendars. 

“To name a few, and apologies if I miss any out: Avanti School, Exeter, Landscore and Hayward’s Schools from Crediton, Morchard Bishop School who raised more than £2,000, Gilbert Stephens solicitors, many of the local youngsters football clubs, Winkleigh Stores, Crediton Hospital staff, Adaero, staff at QE and many more.

“It does take a great deal of organisation but with a great team of volunteers, this is made easier.

“Each person who comes to us is not just a name but a person who is in a tough place right now but still needs to be valued and respected and shown the same love, care and consideration that we all need.

“I am no different from anyone else and it’s easy to get anxious and low with the present Covid situation and what feels like shifting sand around us.

“Helping others and being involved, even in a small way, to make people’s lives better is a very positive thing to do and has personally, with my faith, kept me grounded and certainly stopped me suffering from boredom!

“Because referrals have mostly come directly to me I have had the privilege of getting to know many of the Foodbank users and some we have been able to support with more than just food; referrals to agencies that help with finances, to Journey Counselling here in Crediton or to find bedding, furniture or white goods when they arrive in the town with nothing.

“Thank you again to the Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface for this unexpected award which I accept on behalf of my team."