Meet Isidora Radenkovic, volunteer at the Cambridge City Foodbank warehouse

After leaving Serbia at 18, Isidora joined the Foodbank family through her work’s volunteering allowance programme. She has since fallen in love with the community and taken the reins on a number of volunteering and fundraising activities.

We spoke with Isidora to find out more about her passion for social mobility, fundraising endeavours and personal life.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I lived in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, until I turned 18, when I decided to move to the UK to attend university and look for a job. It’s been over four years now, and I’m working as a software engineer in the micro architecture space – for those who may not know what that is, think CPU architecture and design!

What made you want to volunteer with the Foodbank?

When I started my job as an engineer, my place of work offered a volunteering allowance where we could support a charity of our choice. I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet new people and make an impact locally. While looking for opportunities in and around Cambridge, I came across Cambridge City Foodbank.

While we didn’t use food bank services ourselves, growing up, my family was from a lower socioeconomic background, so to me, social mobility has always been something I’m passionate about. When you don’t know where your next meal is coming from, it really impacts how you get to spend your time and resources, limiting your ability to better yourself and do the things you really care about. So, as I was in a position where I didn’t have to worry about that, and the work aligned with my values, I knew it would be perfect for me.

What roles have you been involved with since starting?

I’ve been lucky enough to experience quite a few different opportunities the Foodbank offers, all of which I’ve really enjoyed. When I first started, I volunteered in the Fairbite Food Club shops, working closely with the beneficiaries, which was something I found incredibly fulfilling.

I decided to broaden my understanding of the work being done, so I volunteered to work in the warehouse, which is where I’ve stayed to this day. Working in the warehouse was the best thing for me, as it offered me a more physical outlet from my typically sedentary life at work behind a desk. 

Can you tell us about the fundraising initiatives you’ve been involved with?

About two years ago, I noticed that the Foodbank struggled with donations during certain periods more than others. One of these was December, when we were in need of Christmas hampers. So, I sent out a nationwide fundraising request through my work’s communications that helped provide a large number of additional hampers. It was so rewarding to see everyone come together for a great cause. 

I also noticed that the Foodbank was struggling again last month, so was inspired to organise an in-person fundraising event. I tried to think of something that everyone loves, and that would bring the most people together, and I couldn’t think of anything other than food and sugar! So it was decided that I would arrange a bake sale.

While I’m not the best baker myself, I have lots of wonderful friends and co-workers who supported me and provided an abundance of cakes! I loved arranging the opportunity, and it was an extremely rewarding to set up a stand and spend all day telling people about the amazing cause they were supporting. 

Finally, what do you enjoy doing outside of volunteering, and how has working at the Foodbank changed your personal life? 

I’m absolutely in love with powerlifting and spend around another full working day, eight hours or so, at the gym training with the squat, bench press and deadlift. I really like the ability to track quantifiable progress and the consistency needed to improve. My local gym has a lovely community, so when I’m not listening to Doechii, Laufey or Bring Me The Horizon, it’s a great way to meet even more people.

To me, volunteering at the Foodbank has really helped me grow as a person. You meet so many new, friendly and interesting people from all walks of life, and it provides a rewarding break from my day-to-day life at work.