A Coventry foodbank user-come-volunteer finds himself the focus of this year’s festive fundraising campaign to help tackle the rising food crisis in the city.
Tony Lee, from Bedworth, is the ‘star’ of the charity’s latest fundraiser Where’s Tony?, a play on the popular hide and seek picture puzzle books Where’s Wally?
As well as a fun social media campaign running every other day throughout December, the 12 cartoon scenes, depicting locations in Coventry and the foodbank, also form the basis of a fundraising calendar, available to purchase from the charity now.
The campaign, which launches this week, aims to raise awareness as well as thousands of pounds for the under-pressure foodbank, which has 15 centres throughout the city.
Tony was first brought into contact with the foodbank in 2012 after a spell in hospital with septic arthritis, a serious condition which left him unable to work for many months while battling back to health.
He said: “I was so short of money; I had to borrow from family just to be able to have the heating on. The foodbank was a lifeline for me during that time. I was so grateful, and when I was well enough, I started volunteering at the foodbank. And a couple of years after that, I was employed as a member of staff.
“I enjoy working for the charity and get satisfaction from helping people, and I get to see that every day. Working with the charity has given me confidence; it’s given me purpose.”
On being the face of the Christmas campaign, he added: “I’m getting used to being all over the calendar. I don’t mind; if it’s helping more people in Coventry to get the food and support they need, then being turned into a comic book character and having everyone trying to find me can’t be a bad thing!”
There is normally a foodbank centre open somewhere in the City of Coventry six days a week as Coventry foodbank distributes food through 15 partner churches. But demand goes up in the winter months, with some people even having to make the difficult choice between heating or eating.
Coventry foodbank partners with a wide range of care professionals who identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher. Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three to five days’ of emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink and can signpost people to other organisations to help resolve the longer-term problems that might cause someone to need to use a foodbank.
Canon Gavin Kibble MBE, founder of Coventry foodbank said, “Every day we see how a simple act of kindness can change a life. Our Christmas calendar isn’t just a fundraiser – it’s a celebration of the people and stories that make our city so special.
“Tony’s is a true story, and there are thousands more stories like it, told by people who have found themselves in a difficult position and needing help. People like Tony, who, many years ago, came to us for help and is now part of the team helping others. It’s an honour to recognise his contribution to the work of the city’s foodbank over the last 15 years, as well as highlighting the dedication of over 300 volunteers and staff who ensure that thousands of people are regularly supported with emergency food.
“Tony’s story reminds us that no matter how difficult your situation, with compassion and the support of the community around you, there is always hope for a better day.
“By buying a calendar, you’re helping to feed families. The calendar makes a great Christmas present and every pound raised helps us continue to support those in need, ensuring that no one in Coventry goes hungry this Christmas.”
The calendars are £5 plus postage and can be purchased HERE.
Donors who start a regular monthly donation to Coventry foodbank in December will receive a free Where’s Tony? 2026 Calendar.
