Food bank plea for those in need at Christmas
Politicians launch drive to support families in crisis
Rutherglen and Cambuslang families are being urged to help those less fortunate this Christmas and donate to a food drive in their towns.
The campaign has been launched by Clare Haughey MSP and Councillor Carol Nugent ,who are seeking donations on behalf of Rutherglen and Cambuslang Foodbank.
The pair are accepting food supplies at Clare’s constituency office on Rutherglen Main Street and can arrange for other donations to be collected from throughout the area.
They hope their efforts will go some way to meeting the ever- growing demand for goods at the food bank, which supplies hundreds of emergency food parcels to locals every month.
Councillor Nugent said: “School holidays are often difficult times for families on low incomes, as children are no longer able to receive free meals at school.
“These issues are often exacerbated at Christmas due to added heating costs, whilst many often spend their disposable incomes on gifts.
“Over the festive season we often think about those less fortunate than ourselves, so I would greatly appreciate if people were able to donate to our collection campaign.
“I appreciate that not everyone will be able to visit Clare’s office, so please feel free to contact me directly and I can arrange to pick any donations up.”
Ms Haughey MSP added: “It is absolutely heartbreaking that food banks exist in our society, however without them many people would lose an essential lifeline. In one of the largest economies in the world, no one should go hungry at any time of year.
“Rutherglen and Cambuslang Foodbank do amazing work for my constituents who are in need of urgent help, and their volunteers must be applauded for their devotion to serving our community.”
The food bank is part of the Trussell Trust, a UK-wide organisation which is on course to distribute a record number of food parcels in 2017-18.
Ian Robertson, of the local branch, said the ladies’ efforts, together with a food drive at Tesco at the weekend and a significant donation from Cambuslang Football Club, would go some way towards supporting families in crisis this Christmas.
He said: “We are delighted and pleased that Councillor Nugent and Ms Haughey have taken the time and effort to do this collection on behalf of the food bank, particularly at Christmas.”
People can arrange for food to be collected by contacting Councillor Nugent by emailing carol.nugent@ southlanarkshire.gov.uk or calling 07388 955 042.