This week, our Spotlight on Volunteers campaign looks at the work done by Diamond Hampers, who are based in Huntingdonshire.
Diamond Hampers was set up by Lianne Simpson. Lianne and her team put together emergency food hampers to deliver across the district seven days a week.
The hampers contain tinned and dried goods, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, and frozen and refrigerated items.
Diamond Hampers also has two stores in Huntingdon. The Pantry, on All Saints Passage in Huntingdon, has a 'Fill a basket for £4' scheme.
The Attic, on St Benedict's Court, has affordable homeware, electrical appliances, gifts and toys for low income families.
Lianne and her team also look to help people move away from emergency support and get them longer-term self-sustainable solutions.
Diamond Hampers incredible results
In 2023, the Diamond Hampers volunteers helped 700 families find self-sustainable living situations.
Diamond Hampers has prevented nearly £700,000 worth of food from rotting in landfill since they opened in 2019.
Lianne and her volunteers have also provided over 500,000 meals to vulnerable people across the county.
Over the festive period in 2023, over 200 Christmas hampers were given out and 2,250 meals distributed to those in need.
12,000 meals were given out to those in need in December 2023, and 750 gifts were provided to vulnerable families.
The face behind Diamond Hampers
Lianne said: "I'm a volunteer (as well as her team) and it's not always easy with my own physical challenges.
"2023 was a troubling year for me that meant I had so many adaptations to make.
"But my passion and drive, like that of my many volunteers, keeps me going and it's thanks to those around me that offer their unconditional support as to how I keep myself going - that, and pure stubbornness!"
Lianne has received many awards for her work on Diamond Hampers.
She received a letter from King Charles III, commending the work of Diamond Hampers and their impact across the community, as well as an additional letter from the King's representative, The Lord Lieutenant.
Lianne received the Coronation Champion Award during King Charles III's coronation.
She was one of 500 recipients of the prestigious award.
She was invited to Buckingham Palace for a garden party to celebrate her achievement, as well as the other 499 Coronation Champions awarded by the King.
Diamond Hampers has also won the "Lockdown Leader Award" in both 2021 (Gold) and 2022 (Bronze) at the Regional Business Awards for its work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lianne added: "Setting up Diamond Hampers was one of the quirkiest ideas I've had to date, and one I never expected to reach the levels that it has.
"From my garage at my home to an award winning organisation. It's not something I ever dreamt possible.
"Yet here we are, heading into our fifth year in operation.
"My heart truly swells with pride of what it has become and the team that I have behind me."
How to volunteer at Diamond Hampers
There are a number of volunteering roles available with Diamond Hampers.
Volunteers can take on driving roles, which include delivering hampers and collecting surplus food from supermarkets, store roles like customer service, or event roles including running fundraising events for Diamond Hampers.
The group also offer work experience roles for Year 10 and above secondary school students.
Students will be mentored throughout their volunteering role.
A volunteering application form is available on their website: https://diamondhampers.org
Lianne said of her volunteers: "Volunteers truly are the key to the success of Diamond Hampers and we would be lost without them!"
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