Local Crowdfunder Launches to Sustain Wimborne Community Food and Wellbeing Hub

UPDATE – 07.08.26:

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’ve already raised nearly £1000 for the Wimborne Community Fridge through our Aviva Community Fund Crowdfunder. A huge thank you to everyone who has donated and shared our campaign so far.

However, we’re not done by a long way!
The more we raise, the more opportunity we have to benefit from Aviva’s match funding and increase the impact of this project across Wimborne. That’s why we’re asking for one final push from our community.

This is a request for the last few days of matched funding, as every contribution is matched by Aviva directly doubling each £ donated, helping us then turn food that would otherwise be thrown away into meals and food supplies for local people who really need them most.

Every donation, no matter how small, helps us rescue more surplus food, stock our community fridge, and support people facing difficult circumstances.

_________________

The Hub has seen a dramatic increase in demand over the past year as rising food, energy and household costs continue to place pressure on local families and individuals. In April 2025, the service supported an average of 98 people each week. By March 2026, that figure had surged to 187 people per week, highlighting the growing need for accessible community support.

The crowdfunding campaign aims to raise funds to keep the project operating for the next 12 months, ensuring that vulnerable residents can continue to access essential food and wellbeing services.

https://communitiesfund.avivafoundation.org.uk/p/wimborne-food-wellbeing-hub 

Funding raised will help the Hub:
• Provide food support to 150 people every week
• Prepare and serve 40 hot meals for local residents
• Support volunteers who collect and distribute surplus food from supermarkets
• Keep the community fridge, kitchen and wellbeing hub open and running

The Wimborne Community Food & Wellbeing Hub plays a crucial role in reducing food waste while supporting people who may be struggling to make ends meet. The service offers not only practical assistance but also a welcoming environment where residents can connect with others and access wider wellbeing support.

Individuals and businesses are being encouraged to contribute through donations, sponsorship or by helping to promote the campaign. Every contribution will have a direct impact on local people in need.

Adding further value to donations, the project has successfully qualified for the Aviva Community Fund, meaning that every pound donated through the campaign will be matched by Aviva, effectively doubling the impact of every contribution at no extra cost to donors.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our local community and businesses,” said a spokesperson for Dorset Community Action. “The increasing demand for our services demonstrates how important the Hub has become for many local residents. With community support, we can continue providing essential food assistance and a safe, welcoming space for those who need it most.”

As a thank you, businesses donating £100 or more will be offered sponsorship recognition through the Hub’s website, social media channels and a dedicated supporters’ display wall within the Centre, subject to permission.

Those wishing to support the campaign can donate via the Wimborne Food and Wellbeing Hub Crowdfunder page or use the QR code available on the campaign leaflet.
For more information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities and other ways to get involved, please contact Dorset Community Action.

Together, we can ensure that no one in our community has to face hardship alone.