Devoted volunteer wins weekend away

Robert Greenhalgh-Todd has been awarded a weekend away in recognition of his hard work as a volunteer at Hackney Foodbank.

In just under three-years he’s devoted more than 350 hours to the charity, and, in addition to packing emergency food parcels, he helps teach teams of corporate volunteers the ropes.

The award, from Room to Reward recognises “hidden heroes” who give up their time to make a difference to those who need it the most.  Robert will be able to choose where he goes for his weekend break.

Robert said: “It was absolutely unexpected – a complete surprise but it’s lovely to be noticed in this way. I particularly enjoy working with corporate volunteers. I’m looking forward to my weekend away!”

Jenna Fansa, Head of Fundraising at Hackney Foodbank, said: “We’d be quite lost without Robert – each week he devotes around six hours to our food bank, patiently teaching new corporate volunteers how to pack our emergency food parcels and talking with great compassion about the way our food bank helps people. At times, Robert is our only volunteer in the warehouse – but he’s completely unfazed by the huge amount of work and simply gets on with it.  Robert is patient, kind and hard-working and we’re so thankful for all his unwavering support.”

Hackney Foodbank has around 200 volunteers. Collectively, in 2025 they devoted more than 11,000 hours of volunteering. 

Arianna, Volunteer Manager, added: “Our volunteers are the beating heart of Hackney Foodbank.  They are the friendly faces greeting our visitors and delivering food to their doors, the capable hands preparing our food parcels and the big hearts responding to emails and helping us with admin.  Its wonderful Room to Reward has recognised one of our most devoted volunteers in this way.”