Staff at Dalehead Foods in Linton have donated footwear to a charity in Nigeria.

Staff at Dalehead Foods in Linton have donated footwear to a charity in Nigeria which supports local farmers.

Over 275 pairs of boots, worth over £5,000 in total, have been donated so far via the Guildance Community Development Foundation, with more expected in the months ahead.

The footwear is washed and sanitised before distribution and will help farmers work safer and more efficiently – especially in the wetter months.

Rajesh Ramkhelawan, Dalehead SHE Manager, said: “As a large local employer we go through a great deal of footwear which is mandatory, but after a eureka moment I thought maybe others could make good use of them. That’s when I got in touch with Crossroads Global Village, a charity which supports development projects around the world. They got in touch with an NGO in Nigeria, Guildance Community Development Foundation, who were more than happy to have the boots sent to them.

“It’s really pleasing to hear that the boots are now being put to good use in Nigeria and we’ve been told the farmers are really pleased with the footwear. A big thanks to all the staff at Dalehead Foods Linton who have made this project happen.”

Matt Dight, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd., added: “Sustainability and social responsibility are key focuses for Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd. and Dalehead Foods, and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to donate to this project. This is more than about making good use of products we no longer need, it’s about supporting developing communities, reducing waste and helping those less fortunate. This will be the first of many projects across our sites as we look at new and different ways we can safely reuse equipment and materials.”

Adisa Kabiru, President, Guildance Community Development Foundation, said: “We’d like to thank Dalehead Foods for their generous donation. There are many dangers faced by farmers in Nigeria, often because of a lack of appropriate footwear, including hazards on the ground and exposure to chemicals. The boots will be a very useful tool in eliminating those challenges, reducing the health threats to farmers and helping to improve efficiencies.”