SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FOODBANK TODAY ... FILL UP OUR BAG
MORE than 3600 people, including 1480 children, were forced to ask for emergency food parcels in Glasgow last December – the highest number in Scotland.
The Trussell Trust, which runs a network of foodbanks across the city, has warned that demand may be even greater this Christmas.
Today, the Glasgow Times launches Bank.On.Us, a festive foodbank appeal which aims to help ensure the city’s foodbanks are well stocked through December, when families are likely to experience increased financial pressures due to rising heating bills.
We are hoping our readers, nurseries, schools and city businesses will get behind it. It couldn’t be simpler to help. Enclosed in every edition of today’s Glasgow Times is a paper bag and we are asking readers to drop a few items in and take it to your nearest foodbank.
But if this isn’t possible, we have a fleet of vans ready and waiting courtesy of First Bus and City Building who will be collecting bags from a number of city centre locations including the Glasgow Times offices at
200 Renfield Street.
We are also asking readers to help get the message out about our appeal on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #bankonus
Callum Baird, editor of the Glasgow Times, said: “Our paper has always had a history of sticking up for and championing those in greatest need in Glasgow – and our new drive continues this tradition.”
Lisa Pierotti is headteacher at St Paul’s High School in Pollok, which has requested 600 bags for the school.
She said: “Our school is very much rooted in the community and we have a range of citizenship programmes that allow our young people to support good causes. Our ethos is very much to teach pupils to look out for and support others.
“I think pupils will absolutely do what they can to help. We know there is an unprecedented need for foodbanks especially over the festive period and I think all the partnership working involved gives you a real sense of community.
“We are delighted to support this excellent campaign.” Volunteer Glasgow, which recruits and supports thousands of volunteers across the city, will be making sure that the city’s foodbanks have enough helpers to deal with all the deliveries.
Tracey Stone, support co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted to be a partner in the campaign.
“There is so much to be done to support people in the city at the moment and alongside many other charities.
“Volunteer Glasgow has a unique role to play by connecting people with the charities and not-for-profit organisations that need everyone’s help to make a difference.”
Both City Building and First Glasgow will be involved in collecting and distributing food bags from schools and businesses across the city.
Dr Graham Paterson, City Building’s executive director, said: “As part of City Building’s unique socially responsible ethos we are committed to giving back to communities.
“It is extremely rewarding to be taking part in the Glasgow Times foodbank project and supporting families in need this Christmas.”
Duncan Cameron, operations director for First Glasgow, said: “We are pleased to be involved in providing support to the local foodbanks in the city and to play our part in such a fantastic campaign. It is humbling for us to play a small part in supporting them this winter.
“We are proud to serve the people of Glasgow everyday and to support people in need within the city. As the main bus operator in the city linking local communities, we are in an ideal situation to provide some assistance.”