Foodbank support
Matchday fundraiser gives food bank boost
Generous football supporters have weighed in to support East Kilbride’s Loaves and Fishes food bank.
Much-needed donations were handed in by Celtic fans at a recent match.
East Kilbride community activist John Park said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved for their support.”
Generous Celtic fans turned out in their thousands to help the needy and give a tonne of donations to Loaves and Fishes.
The East Kilbride food bank was one of a host of beneficiaries in and around Glasgow to receive a welcome boost to its stock on a recent matchday at Celtic Park thanks to the anti-poverty initiative spearheaded by the Celtic Foundation and Glasgow North East food bank.
Greenhills youth group leader and community activist John Park, who assists in the distribution of donations to Glasgow NE, said he was delighted when project coordinator Tara Maguire contacted him to organise a local recipient for the kind donations from Hoops fans attending the home game against Kilmarnock on April 8.
“I had no hesitation in contacting Loaves and Fishes with this kind offer,” said John.
“I have known chairman Denis Curran MBE for over 30 years and admire him greatly for all the human kindness he shares while carrying out his charitable work, much of which goes unnoticed.
“We were advised to bring a large van as the donations would be substantial, although nothing could have prepared us for the massive generosity of the fans, which benefited 14 food banks throughout Glasgow and Lanarkshire.
“This created a bit of a dilemma, as Denis only has a small van for his operations. But thanks to another friend, Vincente Bimendi of Practical Van Rentals Glasgow, who provided a Luton van and two members of staff free of charge for the day, we were able to fill two vans with the much needed donations.”
John, who runs CUPI youth group in the town, added: “Many people tend to forget that food banks are a lifeline to many families all year round and require restocking regularly.
“And as Denis would testify, its not only those on benefits who require assistance but many in fulltime, low-paid jobs or zero-hour contracts; the so-called “working poor” also access the service.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Tony Hamilton, CEO of the Celtic Foundation, Tara Maguire, Glasgow NE food bank and all the fans for their kind donations. A special thanks must go to Isabella Barnes, Jenny Kiernan, Pat Lee and Jim Mitchell for all their hard work throughout the day in loading and unloading the vans.”
Speaking about the food collection, Celtic FC Foundation CEO, Tony Hamilton, said: Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton said: “We are committed to helping where we can.”