5000 HELPED BY OUR CAMPAIGN
Thousands fill their bags for foodbank drive
THE generous support of Glasgow Times readers for those in need has led to more than 5000 people being helped by the Bank On Us campaign.
In excess of 5000 bags have been collected so far in the campaign to help foodbanks cope with an expected increase in demand over the Christmas and New Year period.
The generosity of Glasgow Times readers and people in the city who have supported the campaign has been recognised at Holyrood.
The Bank On Us campaign was praised by Glasgow MSP Anas Sarwar (inset), who said it demonstrated people are willing to support others in need in the city.
While recognising the best solution would be for a society where the need did not exist, Sarwar said where it does, we all need to help.
The Labour MSP for Glasgow, who also organises an annual Christmas toybank appeal, asked Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville what plans the Scottish Government had to provide additional support over the festive period.
He went on to say: “The cabinet secretary and I would prefer that food banks were not needed, but while they are we must support them.
“Will she join me in congratulating the Glasgow Evening Times on its Bank On Us campaign, which has resulted in more than 5000 bags being delivered to food banks across the city?
“Does she agree that that demonstrates the generosity, not just of the people of Glasgow, but of the people of Scotland, who are supporting people who have been left vulnerable, particularly in the run-up to Christmas and the new year?”
Somerville agreed and while outlining initiatives the Government was taking to help, for example, rough sleepers over the winter, she backed Sarwar’s comments.
She said: “I absolutely endorse Anas Sarwar’s comments about the Glasgow Evening Times campaign.
“I hope that all members in the chamber agree that there should be no place for food banks in our society.
“The fact that we have food banks is a demonstration of a broken welfare system. Although the welfare system is broken and the UK Conservative Government refuses to make the changes that are needed to fix it, it is highly commendable that the people of Glasgow and people across Scotland are stepping up, particularly at this time.”
She added: “It is also commendable that the Glasgow Times has been running a campaign to facilitate that.”
The campaign was launched last month on the day the Evening Times became the Glasgow Times and a paper bag was put inside every copy of the paper.
We also had requests from schools across the city to provide them with extra bags for pupils and families to help out.
Businesses and organisations in the city also helped with collection points, including The Forge, Glasgow City Council at the city chambers, The Wise Group, Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP, Carrington Dean and Storage Vault.
Campaign Partners, First Bus, City Building and Volunteer Glasgow have been playing a crucial role helping with the collection and distribution of donations.
Duncan Cameron, operations director for First Glasgow, said: “First Glasgow are immensely proud to be part of the Bank on Us campaign and we have been blown away by the generosity shown by the people of Glasgow.
“It is great to see so many organisations coming together to help people in need at this time of year and a huge thanks to our volunteers who gave up their days to help with the collection efforts.”
Tracey Stone, organisation support co-ordinator at Volunteer Glasgow, said: “Volunteer Glasgow was delighted to be asked to be part of the Bank on Us campaign and, although the need for Foodbanks is regrettable, it has been humbling and heartening to see how people have come together to make a real difference to some of our city’s most vulnerable individuals, families and communities.
“Of course, every day across Glasgow people are making a difference by volunteering their time, skills and experience in a wide range of ways and settings. Volunteer Glasgow is honoured to play a part in helping this happen.”
Dr Graham Paterson, executive director at City Building, added:
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity shown by the city towards the Glasgow Times Bank On Us campaign. I’d like to thank everyone who filled a food bank bag to help families in need and also commend our City Building staff who worked round the clock to collect the 5000-plus contributions secured by the campaign.
“It was a brilliant effort all round and we are humbled by the amazing response.”
“It is the people who donate, recognising others need help, that make the campaign a success.”