Foodbank helpers get on their bikes
More than £1300 raised at Easter Sunday event
A team of volunteers and supporters of Hamilton District Foodbank got on their bikes to raise funds recently.
They pedalled away on stationary bikes at the Regent Shopping Centre on Easter Sunday, raising more than £1300 for the cause.
The event was the brainchild of friends Barbara Catt and Linda Smith, and drew £1000 in donations on the day, as well as a collection of goods for the foodbank.
An additional £300 came from workplace collections and other activities.
The team were joined by South Lanarkshire Council leader, Councillor John Ross, and chairman of the local authority’s Housing and Technical Resources Committee, Councillor Josh Wilson.
Other riders on the day were foodbank volunteers, their friends and families.
Foodbank manager Isobel Graham said: “Sadly the need for the foodbank is increasing, so fundraising activities are vital to assist the generous giving in kind all round the year.
“This comes from supermarket collecting points, churches and other social groups who collect goods regularly or occasionally throughout the year. Without this generosity the foodbank could not continue to provide emergency food aid to families in crisis.
“Thanks are due to organisations and key people, without whom this event could not have happened. The Water Palace generously lent us a bike, as did a friend, John Hunter, and a man with a van kindly transported them to the shopping centre. The centre’s management have been most helpful in setting things up and providing advice.
“Lastly, a big thank you is due to Barbara Catt and Linda Smith for organising the event, as well as the riders, their sponsors, other helpers and all who gave support to the foodbank.”
Both councillors said they were delighted to lend a hand on the day.
Councillor Ross said: “Foodbanks across the country do a fabulous job of providing for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“I know how much time and effort everyone involved in Hamilton District Foodbank puts in, and this cannot be underestimated.
“I was delighted to take part in the fundraiser at the weekend, and I would like to thank the generosity of everyone who donated.”
Councillor Wilson added: “It was great to see so many people willing to give what they could for such a worthwhile cause.
“Foodbanks rely so much on the public for the support they receive, and John and I were very impressed with how much was raised on the day.”
Donations can be dropped off at the foodbank’s base on Townhead Street, the Nazarene Hall in Blantyre and the Salvation Army centre on Burnblea Street.
Distribution centre opening times: The Nazarene Hall, Elm Street, Blantyre, Tuesday and Thursday, 11am till 2pm; 20 Townhead Street, Hamilton, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, noon till 2pm; and The Salvation Army, Burnblea Street, Hamilton, Monday, 11am till 2pm.
For more information, call the foodbank on 07884 451512 or email info@hamiltondistrict.foodbank.org. uk.