The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Generous youngsters from Perth and Kinross primary schools have been praised for donating a tonne of much-needed provisions to Perth foodbank.
Pupils come up trumps to provide 1,000kg of supplies
Generous youngsters across Perth and Kinross have been praised for donating a tonne of much-needed provisions to Perth foodbank.
Children from Viewlands, Oakbank, Kinnoull, Inchview, Burrelton, and Methven primary schools were behind the effort.
Project coordinator Eleanor Kelleher was able to guide them on the items that were in particularly short supply and 1,000kg of donations poured in.
“The schools really came up trumps, wonderfully replenishing our supplies of tinned fruit and vegetables, tomatoes, pasta sauce, tinned potatoes and mash, as well as soup, beans and main meals,” she said.
“We really appreciate their support and helping us to raise awareness of the foodbank and the services we provide.”
She said there had been a sharp rise the number of people using the foodbank over the past year, with around 50 vouchers a week being handed over at the base in Cutlog Vennel (off the High Street, near the refurbished theatre).
About 85 people are fed there every week, in addition to the other distribution centres in Blairgowrie and Crieff.
“Since the beginning of the year, nearly 3,500 people have benefited from the foodbank, 25% of whom were children,” added Eleanor.
“As Christmas approaches, we expect to be even busier.
“We would like to thank all the schools who have donated recently, but also express our appreciation of the various churches and different organisations who regularly make donations. The foodbank couldn’t function without this regular support.”
On November 30 and December 1 and 2 the foodbank will be having a three-day collection at the Tesco stores on Edinburgh Road and Crieff Road, Perth, and in Blairgowrie.
Anyone who would like to offer their help on these days should contact the foodbank at info@perthkinross.foodbank.org.uk or telephone 01738 626799.
The foodbank is also looking for people who might be able to help with coordinating fundraising efforts and looking after social media. A van driver – and ideally someone with access to a van – would also be an asset.
Since the beginning of the year, nearly 3,500 people have benefited from the foodbank, 25% of whom were children