Team spotlight: Gary

The second in a series highlighting members of our team.

We caught up with Gary one Thursday afternoon to find out more about his role, and the variety and scale of the work he and his small team do ensuring our mission is fulfilled very day – providing practical support to those who need it most.

Read on to find out more about what his role as Storehouse Manager at Inn Churches involves, why he got involved and how the role has impacted him.

Can you share a bit about your role within Inn Churches and what it entails?

My role has developed quite a bit since COVID-19 and moving forward with the growth of FoodSavers. I coordinate all the deliveries and collections to food projects around the district. We have two strands to the food operation. First we have Household Support Fund purchased food which is delivered by Morrisons Wholesale and can be anything between two and five tonnes per week. Then there is the reclaimed food that we are given by local wholesalers, supermarkets and shops.

We then distribute to over 25 projects each week.

In addition, I drive the van on picks up and deliveries a few times per week, including on a couple of evenings. I coordinate Warm Homes Healthy People deliveries and prepare and issue our Starter Packs. I also look after the petty cash and banking cash takings, and there is quite an amount of administration with all these tasks. 

What inspired you to get involved?

Juli Thompson inspired me to become involved eight years ago, and I eventually joined six years ago.

Could you describe a memorable experience or moment you’ve had whilst at Inn Churches?

Stepping up to the plate as an organisation in March 2020 as COVID-19 hit and lockdown happened. We stayed open and set up the emergency food response, ordering, and delivering wholesale food around the city for Bradford Council.

What challenges does your role bring and how have you overcome them?

People don’t always fit into processes, and sometimes you have to find bespoke ways of helping people on an individual basis.

Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that you are particularly excited about?

The increasing growth of FoodSavers project and helping partner organisations develop their pantry models.

How has being part of Inn Churches impacted you personally?

I feel a sense of achievement and am proud to give my time working to help people in need. My previous career was all about making owners and shareholders wealthy, often at the expense of people… that didn’t sit well with me towards the end.

If you could have a superpower to aid your work within Inn Churches what would it be and why?

The ability to see and discover people in real need that don’t have the ability, confidence or know how to ask for help.

Are you willing to share a quirky or interesting fact about yourself that your fellow team members might not know?

I’m fulfilling a life- long ambition and learning to play the drums, and have just bought a drum kit.

Finally – if you could swap roles with another team member for a day, who would it be and why?

Anyone really, as I think its important that everyone knows everyone else’s needs, demands and stresses of their job role. Job shadowing is a good idea to help build team spirit and open effective communication.