THE ‘one in a million’ leader of Wareham Food Bank has passed away.
Tributes have been paid to Lynn Crabb, whose passion and determination helped found the organisation – and thousands of families.
She died suddenly just before Christmas.
Lynn was the driving force behind the food bank’s foundation in 2011 and led the team of volunteers since it started.
Since then, years of austerity, the Covid pandemic and more recently the cost of living crisis have led to steadily increasing demand from families and individuals in need of support.
And Lynn was at the forefront of the effort to help, working faithfully and tirelessly to ensure their needs were met week by week at the food bank, based at Purbeck Gateway Church, in Ropers Lane, Wareham.
Church pastor Paul Shepherd said: “When Lynn first approached me with the vision of a food bank in Wareham as a response to the growing need felt among people struggling to make ends meet, we could not have imagined how perceptive she was.
Lynn Crabb led Wareham Food Bank since its inception
“We thought we would just be helping a few families get back on their feet, but twelve years later we have never been so busy with more and more people requiring support.
“Lynn’s dedication, sacrifice and humility in heading up the team of helpers has brought much relief to so many over the years, and her sudden death revealed just how hard she had been working.
“Lynn had been fighting her own personal crusade against the enemy of poverty and she will be sadly missed.”
A user of the food bank also paid tribute to Lynn, saying: “Can I send my sincere condolences for Lynn – she was one in a million and I had the pleasure of talking to her so many times when I donated.
“What a legacy she has left with the food bank – you all do an amazing job in such hard times for many.”
Another said: “I was so sad to hear the news about Lynn, who had worked so hard to ensure this excellent service had been available to the community of Purbeck. I hope you can ensure its continued service.”
Many local people have reason to be grateful to Lynn through her work with the food bank, which staff say will continue to meet local needs.
Donations in her memory may be made c/o Purbeck Gateway Church, Ropers Lane, BH20 4QT and donations to the food bank will continue to be gratefully received through collection points in local supermarkets.
Lynn wasn’t just a woman who started the foodbank at Gateway Church. I have been on both sides of needing the foodbank & on a few occasions helped deliver food parcels to people . She made you feel relaxed especially when times can be difficult. I was Shocked to hear the news of her passing but will always remember the pearls of wisdom her generosity & quick witted humour. She is missed so much x.