Picture auction will boost lifeline charity
A fundraiser to support a lifeline lunch club in west Stirlingshire is hoping to provide someone with a meaningful Christmas gift.
Jim Thomson from Balfron Heritage Society has donated a beautiful framed painting, entitled “Balfron in Winter” to help Balfron Lunch Club.
Because of coronavirus restrictions, the club is holding a socially distanced silent auction, with the painting expected to be a popular draw.
Rae Wilson, who has been running the lunch club since 2007, said: “With Christmas quickly approaching this might be a lovely gift or just to have on your wall to enjoy.
“We are hoping that this fund raising project will help us continue to provide meals to people in our community at this uncertain time.”
Since March this year Balfron Lunch Club has had to develop alternative ways of operating.
“We have had to think of other ways of serving our people who are now unable to enjoy coming to the club,” said Rae.
“We were already able to offer a Meal at Home service for a few people who were unable to attend due to mobility or just home from hospital.
“It was decided that this would be extended to all our people in order to provide a cooked meal but more importantly maintain contact and help with isolation all following strict guidelines.
“It was a busy time sourcing equipment for meal delivery to keep food, the drivers and people receiving a meal safely. The equipment plus protective measures had to be put in place which of course was expensive. Fortunately we were able to procure a grant initially and recently another smaller one.
“A return to normal isn’t possible at the moment, with no end in sight.
“But we have been so fortunate in that our community has fully supported us with extra volunteers, and local businesses helping out - including two chefs from a local cafe volunteering to help cook.”
Bid cards and envelopes for the silent auction are available from any Lunch Club volunteer and also from Macfarlane’s shop in Balfron for an initial donation of £2. Bids have to be returned sealed in the envelopes provided by noon on Saturday, November 28.