Hospice gives support to crisis-hit foodbank
GLASGOW’S hospice has pledged to help its neighbouring foodbank following an appeal for support in the Evening Times.
We told how Glasgow South West Foodbank was in desperate need of help and could face closure without a boost in donations.
Now Edward Reid has launched The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice’s Christmas appeal to help its neighbour, Glasgow SW Foodbank, feed local people in crisis.
Edward, who rose to prominence after appearing in Britain’s Got Talent, said: “It’s a wonderful gesture to help a local charity that is in need.
“We are asking the public to donate basic food and toiletries to help support families.
“Donate as much or as little as you can – it’s all for a really worthy cause.”
Since April 1, the Trussell Trust’s Glasgow SW Foodbank has provided 5080 individual food packages – 3197 to adults, 1883 to children.
By March, next year, it is predicted it will have fed almost 9200, as demand increases over the Christmas period and winter.
The numbers show a 56 per cent increase on the previous year due to increasing issues with benefit delays and benefit changes.
Each month Glasgow SW has to find between £2500 and £3500 to buy the food that clients need, supplementing the packets, tins and bags it gets given directly.
Nick Hopkins, chairman of Glasgow SW Foodbank said:“At Glasgow SW Food- bank we are under pressure as never before.
“We can only keep providing food for those most in need with the support of the public, and we are really grateful for all the help people can give.”
Donations for the foodbank can be dropped off at the hospice’s pop-up shop on the first floor of Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre from 11am to 2pm, Monday to Friday - or in the hospice’s reception at 71 Carlton Place, Glasgow.
Basic supplies such as toilet roll, soap, toothpaste, women’s sanitary products, razors, baby wipes and nappies are needed as well as food.
Pack tinned ham, tinned vegetables, tinned fish, tinned or packet potatoes, tinned fruit, rice pudding, custard, selection boxes, Christmas pudding and Christmas crackers to donate to families in need.
Anne Hattie, director of operations at The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, added: “We care for patients and families all year round.
“It seems fitting at this time of year to extend a helping hand to a neighbour in need.
“Glasgow SW Foodbank hands out food to people liv- ing in our neighbourhood, giving them three days’ of emergency food.
“We’re delighted to be able to support them.”
As told in the Evening Times, the charity is exploring ways of increasing food donations with other foodbanks and the Trussell Trust.
Meanwhile, Glasgow volunteers are being sought to help with a nationwide food collection this Christmas by the Trussell Trust and FareShare.
Find out about local stores supporting online at fareshare.org.uk/ food-collection