Sea Cadet’s foodbank drive

A foodbank received a boost thanks to some big-hearted EK youngsters.

The St Vincent De Paul in Rutherglen helps people in need and received a bumper donation from East Kilbride Sea Cadets.

A spokesman for the cadets said: “East Kilbride Sea Cadets are a big part of the community across South Lanarkshire.

“For many, they are all too aware of the difficulties some people in the community are facing – choosing in this cold weather to heat or eat.

“As a self-funded charity, EK Sea Cadets know only too well how hard it is to raise money at the moment, but the cadets and their parents also wanted to give back something to the community who support us and decided to collect for a local foodbank – on this occasion the St Vincent De Paul in Rutherglen where some of our young people live.”

The Rain or Shine community enterprise are working with the cadets and a spokeswoman added: “I think a few of the kids were quite shocked when they went to the foodbanks.

“Cadet Charlotte and Junior Cadet Molly delivered the goods. They were quite shocked that people go to a place like the foodbank to get what they need. “

Charlotte said: “I realise now that everyone can take it for granted that they will have enough to eat.”

And Charlotte is currently working on her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award through the Sea Cadets and her volunteer work with Rain or Shine.

The Sea Cadets are one of the UK’s biggest maritime charities, with thousands of volunteers and they support 14,000 young people across 400 towns, offer leadership and community-based events, and a wide range of experiences for young people aged 10-18 years.

East Kilbride Sea Cadets are currently celebrating 50 years and, due to the increasing number of young people joining, are interested in hearing from adults who are looking for opportunities to volunteer – particularly if they have an interest in a water-based activity or STEM subjects, and have a military background or adventure training.