Rekz wants to do even more to feed the hungry

Shopkeeper Rekz Afzal has been honoured with a Provost’s award for his work in distributing free food to the poverty-stricken in Paisley.

Big-hearted Rekz, 32, has handed out more than 3,500 items of food to the hungry since he set up Renfrewshire’s first community fridge around ten months ago.

Rekz, who runs RSA Newsagents in the town’s Moss Street was inspired to create the in-store lifeline point by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

And since its inception, the project has gone from strength-to-strength with almost 100 clients visiting the store regularly to pick up donations of food.

He is also garnering admiration and support from big retailers, small businesses, community projects and even everyday punters who are keen to get involved.

Businesses such as Tesco Fareshare, poverty campaigners Blueprint Scotland, international charity Human Appeal, Subway and Victim Support Scotland are working with him.

And smaller groups such as The Grow Up Project (Ferguslie), Nineteen Canteen Deli (Renfrew), Sugar Cube Cafe (Paisley), Frenchy’s Cafe (Paisley) Underheugh Farm (Gourock) and Rana’s Newsagents (Glasgow) are also on board with the community fridge.

Modest Rekz said:“I was humbled when I heard I had been selected for the Provost’s award ceremony at the Town Hall.

“It was a great honour to accept it from Provost Cameron in recognition of the community fridge.

“I know that I have started small. But already it has grown.

“And my dream is to see grow even bigger and spread out in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

“Importantly, I would like to say thanks to all of our partners and supporters in helping to keep our community fridge doing what it has been doing.”

Provost Cameron handed Rekz the Provost’s Distinction Certificate for his “outstanding work within the local community.”

He was praised after his“big-hearted efforts have helped lots of people less well off than yourself, and your community spirit is an example to be held up to many.”