Banbury Community Fridge Wins at Cherwell Business Awards 2024
September 16, 2024 - Banbury Community Fridge has proudly been awarded the Charity and Community Award, sponsored by Bicester Village, at the 12th annual Cherwell Business Awards 2024. This recognition highlights the incredible work being done to support vulnerable residents and strengthen community ties across the district.
The prestigious awards ceremony took place at The Chesterton Hotel on Friday, 13th September, and welcomed nearly 240 guests. The evening was hosted by the charismatic Aaron Williams, whose humour and energy kept the atmosphere lively throughout the event.
This year, the awards celebrated 34 finalists across 12 categories , reflecting the diversity, innovation, and resilience of Cherwell District's thriving business and community sector.
The woman who founded this remarkable project giving away surplus food from supermarkets for free to anyone who needs it in Banbury was previously honoured by Theresa May with the prestigious Points of Light Award.
Yasmin Kaduji with the Banbury Community Fridge at Banbury Madni Masjid. NNL-181023-154328009
Yasmin, who works part-time for Banbury Chamber of Commerce, said she was not expecting the recognition but was very grateful to Mrs May and everyone who has helped her.
"I founded the Banbury Community Fridge after being inspired by Islam's teachings to take care of our neighbours."
"It has been a challenging project, but thanks to the support of my friends, family, local supermarkets, kind strangers and Banbury Madni Masjid for providing a space for this service."
"The Banbury Community Fridge is reducing food waste, supporting families and reintroducing a sense of community." "He who eats to satisfaction while his neighbour is hungry is not a believer," – _Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon them)._
Yasmin set up the fridge after a year of taking food that would otherwise go to landfill from supermarkets and delivering them to people in the town. The fridge at Banbury Mosque gave the project a hub and has been inundated with people of all backgrounds who are helping to reduce waste.
In a personal letter to Yasmin, Mrs May said: "Your creation of the community fridge in Banbury shows tremendous innovation and is testament to your dedication to the local community."
"You should be very proud of your commitment to grow this project into something which positively benefits so many people. I wish you well as you continue to further your work."
Yasmin also coordinates a number of inter-faith events at the mosque, including holiday play schemes, a weekly community lunch and she is currently setting up a mother and baby group. She has been invited to Parliament in February to receive her award and watch Prime Minister's Questions as a guest of Mrs May.
Banbury MP Victoria Prentis said: "I was thrilled to hear that Yasmin's hard work for the local community has been recognised with a Points of Light Award."
“She has worked on a range of projects in Banbury, including the Community Fridge which opened last year and is an extremely worthwhile initiative.”
“I am very grateful for her hard work and look forward to welcoming her to Westminster at some point soon to celebrate her achievement.”
The win at the Cherwell Business Awards 2024 is a powerful reminder of the vital role community initiatives play in supporting those in need. By reducing food waste and redistributing surplus supplies, the fridge has become a lifeline for many families. /
Yasmin said she has been amazed by the popularity of the fridge, which is now regularly running out of food. The Charity and Community Award is more than just recognition—it is a testament to the dedication of volunteers, supporters, and partners who work tirelessly to uplift the most vulnerable.
Events like the Cherwell Business Awards serve as an important reminder of the collective strength, spirit, and creativity within our local communities. They highlight the importance of collaboration and compassion in building an inclusive future for all.
If any supermarkets want to get involved with the Community Fridge project, they are welcome to get in touch with Yasmin by emailing yasminkad@yahoo.co.uk
As Banbury Madni Masjid, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Banbury Community Fridge team on this remarkable achievement. Their commitment and impact serve as an inspiration to us all.
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