Hope Kitchen is cooking with gas at new home
The charity Hope Kitchen – which feeds the hungry and homeless – has moved into new premises in Oban. Full story
AN OBAN charity that helps to feed up to 45 people each day will be able to do even more from its new premises on 2 Soroba Road.
Hope Kitchen, which was nominated for Scottish charity of the year, upgraded because of a need for more space.
The refurbished building, titled New Hope, was officially opened last week by the Lord Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute, Patrick Stewart, who said: ‘ We have read a lot about the project and how it blossomed.
‘Unfortunately, that means there is a need to be met. It is clear from the number of people here today that this is a great success in Oban.
‘These premises are very well placed. I have the greatest pleasure in declaring these premises open.’
Jamie Livingstone, a local poet who runs writing classes in Hope, performed at the opening event, as did a number of musicians such as fan-favourites K9 Kev, Rory O’B and Ruaridh Galbraith.
Hope Kitchen’s manager, Lorraine MacCormick, said: ‘It’s been amazing. It’s been a journey, but we are finally here.
‘ We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us because so many people have come in.
‘Some of the service users have been in helping and our volunteers have been excellent. Local tradesmen have given us work for free – people have been so good.’
Stuart Chalmers, chairman of Hope, said: ‘I would like to mention the way that the community has helped us achieve this.
‘This was a lot of work to do and we had a lot of tradesmen giving up their work freely to do this. It’s great the community comes together in a time of need.’
Catriona Petit, who has helped with the transformation, added: ‘It’s a massive transformation to the building. We have had hundreds of volunteer hours to get to this point.
‘We want this to be somewhere where people feel valued. I find it a real privilege to be part of this experience.’
Oban High School pupils Alik Aleynik and Silke Burrows received a special thanks at the opening ceremony.
Alik and Silke were chosen as joint winners in the design a logo competition, with their entries being combined to create the New Hope logo.