We saved our pocket money for foodbank
Two kind-hearted Perthshire children have used their own pocket money to help others less fortunate this Christmas.
Young Harris (7) and Kayleigh (9) Murdie, from Glenfarg, decided to take action when they witnessed struggling families from nearby Dundee, as shown on the Channel 4 programme ‘Growing Up Poor’.
So the siblings saved up for over two months and raised £80 between them to buy food and living essentials from their local Tesco on Edinburgh Road and donate them to Perth Foodbank.
Staff at the Tesco supermarket were so impressed by the selfless gesture of the young Murdies that they offered to match fund the money they raised, taking the total to £160.
Proud dad Owen Murdie told the Perthshire Advertiser: “Recently we were watching Growing Up Poor on Channel 4 and the kids were watching it with us and they could not understand why people were so poor and struggling for food because they lived as nearby as
Dundee.
“That really hit home to them and that was when they decided that they would come to us and ask if they could donate their money to the foodbank.
“Me and my partner said ‘by all means - definitely’.
“They saved up for a couple months and they managed to raise £80 of their own pocket money.
“The two of them wanted to donate it and I mentioned it to someone I know at our Tesco .
“Then the store agreed to match it. It was absolutely fantastic.
“My partner printed off a list from the food bank showing what they were needing.
“Then they went around the store with the list and got many different things: lots of cereal, tins of beans, selection boxes, essential toiletries, pasta, rice - you name it they were getting it.
“You have no idea how proud myself and my other half are of Harris and Kayleigh - I can’t put it into words.
“To come out and do something like that is really incredible.”
Perth Foodbank trustee Marjorie Clark said: “We were very moved to hear that they had been saving their pocket money in order to buy goods for our food bank and we want to thank them for their thoughtfulness and generosity.
“After such a hard few months it is heartwarming when children like Kayleigh and Harris show they are thinking of those less fortunate.
“The food bank couldn’t do what it does, reaching out to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community, without this kind of support.
“I would take this opportunity to thank not just them but also the many individuals, societies, and local businesses who have donated so generously, both with goods and money.
“We wish them all a very happy Christmas when it comes.”
Lorna Fergus, service manager at the Tesco store on Edinburgh Road, said: “We were delighted to double the£40 they each saved and we were so happy to see two young kids not only thinking of themselves at this time of year but of others who may be less privileged.
“They are an absolute credit to their parents who should be so proud of them.”