DRIVERS NEEDED New year opening for third foodbank
Th e R u t h e rg l e n a n d Cambuslang foodbank is set to open its third venue early next year.
Chairman Brendan Rooney told the Reformer this week the new base would be at Cambuslang Baptist Church.
The move will complete a trio of venues throughout the two towns, with the foodbank already operating out of St Columbkille’s in Rutherglen and the Whitlawburn Community Resource Centre.
It is hoped the new venue will be operational by the end of January.
Brendan also revealed a food drive at the Morrisons in Cambuslang on October 9,10 and 11 had resulted in 3.7 tonnes of food being donated as the foodbank prepares for the busy Christmas period.
He said: “There’s some really good things to be reported.
“We had a significant level of donations at Morrisons and, for that, we are extremely grateful.
“We’ve also had a lot of donations from a whole range of places such as schools and churches, especially harvest donations, so our stock levels are really good at the moment. In fact, we were able to share some with another Trussell Trust foodbank in Glasgow whose stock was running low.
“We’re now looking for Christmas related donations, things like biscuits and other things people might not be able to afford.
“In our experience people are especially grateful for Christmas donations.
“The new base will not be open until the end of January, but that will complete the trio. We are delighted and our thanks go to the Baptist Church.”
Wi t h the cold weather approaching, and further reforms to the welfare system taking place, the foodbank is bracing itself for a busy spell.
But despite the sadness at having to exist at all, Brendan reckons the tough times have shown the giving side of locals.
He said: “There’s a very steady demand right now and we expect that to increase over the winter months, which is why we are so happy to have a good stock.
“Reports from other foodbanks tell us there is a typical increase over the winter because people have to make a choice between heat and food, and often they’ll choose heat.
“There’s further welfare reform happening right now and we anticipate that will result in an increased demand.
“It’s sad there is a steady need. We are meeting with people who are genuinely in crisis and referring them, but we have good connections now and there is a good understanding between local agencies so the referral system is working well.
“I have to say, if there is a good thing to come out of this, it’s the generosity of the local people, schools, businesses and other organisations. People have really responded and it’s been quite overwhelming in fact.
“It’s a sad, ongoing story, but there is a good news story there as well.”
The foodbank is currently short of volunteer drivers. They are needed to pick up regular donations.
Anyone interested should contact the foodbank via email at info@rutherglencambuslang. foodbank.org.uk or call 07745 038 795.