Bags of help from David in virus crisis

Perthshire events entrepreneur David Fox-Pitt MBE has found a generous way to offer support to NHS staff, key workers and their families.

David is used to organising events through his business WildFox Events, based on the south side of Loch Tay.

Through his company he has access to logistics, vehicles and catering units.

The motivational speaker and author of ‘Positiverosity 7 Golden Principles’felt passionate about doing something more practical in the light of the coronavirus situation.

He has set up two schemes aiming to make a difference to people connected to the hospitals - one providing prepacked bags of assorted groceries and another offering pizza hot out of a portable wood-fired oven unit.

‘Operation Grocery Grab Bag’donates packs containing a selection of basic groceries to NHS staff at PRI in Perth, Kings Cross Hospital in Dundee and also Pitlochry Hospital, so when staff come off shift they do not have to queue up at supermarkets.

To minimise the infection risk from the virus, David is currently doing it all himself, but he hopes to find ways to expand the service.

Sue Higgins, team leader for NHS Tayside out of hours said to David:

“Thank you so very much for the wonderful grab bags you delivered yesterday. They were greatly appreciated by all staff. Everyone found the contents to be perfect.

“Staff were so touched by your kindness, thank you so much again.”

‘Operation Pizza’uses a mobile wood fired pizza oven towed behind the WildFox Events Unimog vehicle.

Using flour from Blair Atholl which is made into pizza dough by staff at Ardvreck School in Crieff, David is cooking pizza on a mobile oven.

The pizza is being enjoyed by children at three school campuses in Dundee that are open for vulnerable children and kids of key workers.

David fired out 40 pizzas at St Francis Primary School Dundee.

Head teacher Neil Lowden messaged him, saying:“Thank you so much for today. To quote the children and staff‘this brightened up our day.’”

The children also get to take grocery bags home to their families.

Experienced organiser David has also helped facilitate donations for Dundee Bairns for families in Dundee identified as at risk and his efforts will help support 50 families for five weeks with a weekly grocery bag.

He is also drummed up some funding for Aberfeldy Food Bank.

Donations can be made via siobhanstrust.uk and more of his efforts can be seen on David Fox-Pitt Facebook and instagram.