Foodbank stalwarts honoured for their service

Volunteers at a Stirling–based foodbank charity have been honoured for their work.

Start Up Stirling held a celebration event at their warehouse in Springkerse last Thursday for the 100 volunteers who help the charity to assist people experiencing hardship in their lives.

The charity delivers three projects – crisis food support, support services and starter packs.

In 2017/18 the charity supported over 3,000 people across Stirlingshire who were facing hardship – 2250 people were supported at foodbanks or by crisis food rural deliveries; 850 packs were provided, including starter packs, toiletry packs, welcome packs, emergency packs; and 55 people were supported through the Support Services project.

Over 100 volunteers regularly donate their time including at the warehouse, sorting food, date checking and quality checking items donated to packing food packs for clients.

Another team of volunteers make starter packs for people who have been homeless and are starting again in a new tenancy.

There is also a volunteer team who work with the Support Services Manager providing one–to–one support for people struggling to move forward. Other volunteer roles include board members, administration support and fundraising.

Tricia Cumming, volunteer and training coordinator for Start Up Stirling said:“We simply could not deliver the services we do without them – they are the back bone of the organisation which is why we wanted to take the time to recognise our volunteers’massive contribution to the charity.

“It seemed an ideal time to hold such an event during the Stirling Festival of Volunteering week.”

Colin Smith, convener of the charity added:“It was a great opportunity to celebrate our volunteers and recognise their contribution to the charity. The energy level in the room was high and everyone there learned something new. We also heard some very emotional stories about the hardships experienced by some of our clients and how the volunteers had helped them deal with their challenges and turn their lives around.”

The volunteer celebration event was also attended by local supermarkets who support the charity.

The special event was also attended by Stirling Provost Christine Simpson, Council Leader Scott Farmer, and councillors Martin Earl, Jim Thomson, Douglas Dodds and Susan McGill.

Councillor Dodds said:“There were some extremely powerful personal stories from people who volunteer for this organisation and it bought home to me what a fantastic job they do in supporting those that need their help. There are many reasons why individuals and families can find themselves in that position and it is very important Start Up Stirling is there when needed.”