The Residents Association of Fishwick and Thirlmere (RAFT) are based at Farringdon Park Community Centre, which is at the heart of their community. Their aims are to benefit the residents of Preston and the surrounding areas.
RAFT operates primarily, but not exclusively, those who live in the Ribbleton Ward (Farringdon Park) without distinction of age, sex, sexual orientation, ability, race or of political, religious or other opinions. Working together with residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interest of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for residents.
Volunteers run a much-needed foodbank for residents of all ages who are at risk of food insecurity. Their client base covers families with low incomes and pensioners who find the cost of living a challenge on a fixed income.
The Preston Masonic Group were humbled to support the RAFT Foodbank with a delivery of over £500 worth of groceries to help stock the cupboards. On receiving the groceries John Ekins, who leads on the RAFT Foodbank said: “Your donation will allow us to continue to support families, single parents, our elderly residents and lots of children all struggling with food poverty. You really have made a difference for us.”