Help those living in poverty

Castlemilk Against Austerity has called on residents to ditch a traditional Valentine’s Day in favour of helping out those living in poverty.

The group have organised a‘real love is solidarity’event at the Braes Shopping Centre on Saturday, February 18.

The event will feature music and face painting while people can pick up free fresh food or donate to their food solidarity market.

A spokeswoman said:“Food is a basic human need and no one should be going without.

“But sadly, in these days of austerity, which brings low wages, zero-hour contracts, benefit sanctions, high rents and high fuel costs, people are struggling to make ends meet.

“We at Castlemilk Against Austerity have no desire to become a food bank or dispense charity. Our aim is to meet an immediate need for help because when someone does not know where their next meal is coming from this is probably their main worry and concern.

“That’s why we are offering on the spot solidarity in terms of food.

“We see this as only part of the solution, we still have to join together and organise ourselves to show resistance and stick up for each other.

“There’s enough resources to go round, it’s just tied up in the wrong hands.

“No one else will do this for us it has to be done by ourselves.”

The group is also urging people to donate perishable items and toiletries at Castlemilk Parish Church, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.