Olympia London teams up with Hammersmith & Fulham Council

Olympia London teams up with Hammersmith & Fulham Council

Olympia London teams up with Hammersmith & Fulham Council to increase food deliveries to most vulnerable

Historic venue becomes giant food distribution centre to help local residents impacted by coronavirus crisis

Olympia London’s National hall will be turned into a huge foodbank distribution centre to provide much-needed supplies to people suffering food poverty as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Olympia National has been donated to Hammersmith & Fulham Council, whose Community Aid Network (CAN) will join forces with the Hammersmith & Fulham Foodbank to increase the number of food parcels sent out to local residents in need by around 500%.

Parcel deliveries will be dramatically scaled up from about 160 per week to up to 1,000 per week, ensuring the foodbank can offer a full delivery service to help anyone without the money to buy food.

Deliveries will be undertaken by DBS-registered volunteers, taxi drivers, council staff and people donating their time.

John Hitchcox, Chairman of Olympia London’s owners Yoo Capital, said: “We didn’t hesitate to offer Olympia London as a space for Hammersmith & Fulham Council to use as a food distribution centre. At this time, which has been so hard on so many, we want to help in any way we can and are glad that we can play our part in ensuring the people in our local community get the resources they need to get by.”

Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, commented: “John Hitchcox, his team at Olympia London and all our volunteers have led the way and lit the path because when the going got tough for thousands of local people during this pandemic, they stepped up and helped out. I’m extremely grateful.”

H&F CAN is being led by Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, who added: “Olympia London, the H&F Foodbank and our amazing army of volunteers are helping to make sure people get what they need and nobody is left behind. We want everyone to know they’re not alone, we are on their side, and help will be nearby and on its way throughout this international emergency.”

Lloyd Lee, Managing Partner of Yoo Capital, said: “Olympia London has been a community venue since it opened here in 1886 and we’re glad to be able to provide space for use by a local group working for local people, at a time when we can’t welcome visitors to the site.”

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

THREESIXTY Communications (for Yoo Capital)
Rob Lester – rob.lester@threesixtycomms.com – 07483 050783
Hannah Walsh – hannah.walsh@threesixtycomms.com – 07483 050787

Olympia London
Sandra Porto – sandra.porto@olympia.london – 020 7598 2777

London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Geoff Cowart – geoff.cowart@lbhf.gov.uk – 07769 965886

About Olympia London
The home of inspirational events, Olympia London opened its doors in 1886. Established as London’s architectural, cultural and events landmark, the venue welcomes more than 1.6 million visitors attending over 220 events each year. In addition to 130 years of history and heritage, Olympia London’s location places it as a prime choice for exhibitions, conferences and live events. The award-winning venue has recently unveiled its vision for the next 130 years with an ambitious investment plan, set to enhance its world-class offerings and to become a destination for events, creativity and entrepreneurship. Read more: www.olympia.london.