Last week, local organisation Hounslow Community FoodBox were hosted at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium for a special dinner from the club’s partner, Utilita Giving.

60 volunteers from the FoodBox attended the night funded by Utilita Giving; a thank you for their hard work in support those in the community who face food and fuel poverty. The dinner was an opportunity to recognise the individuals who regularly give up their own time to help local people in need.

The dinner followed a successful collaboration at Utilita Giving’s matchday takeover at the Bees' game against Luton Town in December, where both funds and food were collected for the FoodBox thanks to generous donations from fans.

Utilita used Wednesday’s dinner to announce that they will double the money raised during the takeover, presenting the FoodBox with a cheque for £2,000.

For many of the 60 volunteers in attendance it was their first time visiting the stadium. They enjoyed an evening of speeches, food and drinks. They were also given a stadium tour, visiting the dressing rooms and taking a walk pitchside. It was also a valued opportunity for the FoodBox to get all their volunteers together, with many meeting each other for the first time at the event.

Keira Meadus from Utilita Giving said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner, and it was wonderful to celebrate the Hounslow Community FoodBox team.

“The work they do in the local community is crucial but, of course, can be hard going - so it was nice to see them let their hair down.

“Utilita Giving will continue to do all it can to support this incredible charity whilst reaching even more vulnerable people in west London and beyond.”

FoodBox operations manager Sunny Kharbanda added: "It was a really humbling evening for all the FoodBox volunteers – who give so much to the community in terms of time, energy and resource - to receive such wonderful recognition for everything they do.

"We very much value our relationship with Brentford FC and Utilita Giving, and hope – while there is still a need – to be working in partnership with them for many years to come."