A team led by a former Motherwell school teacher have now raised over £50,000 for two Lanarkshire food banks.
Mum-of-two Lisa Sultana has revealed that the latest annual Fundraising Ball she organises raised over £13,000 for the food banks; Loaves and Fishes in East Kilbride, and St Bernadette’s in Motherwell.
The Facebook group; Team 50/50 – Helping Those in Need, was launched on St Valentine’s Day 2021. Inspired by a documentary about footballer Marcus Rashford and news reports on the impact that the Covid pandemic was having on low-income families, it raises money for the food banks through running prize draw competitions and raffles.
“They are the ones who dig deep every week to support the food banks,” said Lisa. “The ones who raise the money every week.”
Lisa from Strathaven, who was a teacher at St Bernadette’s Primary, held the fundraising ball event at Crossbasket Castle on St Andrew’s Day and it takes the total raised over the last three years to a fantastic £52,349.
“I’m thrilled to share that it was a tremendous success,” said Lisa. “We raised over £13,000, which is a significant increase from the £7,100 we raised last year. In addition, we also collected toys and gifts for the children supported by the food banks, filling an entire van with donations. It was truly a remarkable night.”
The ball was once again hosted by Suzie McGuire and Lesley Davidson, the chair of the Loaves and Fishes charity, delivered an “inspiring and heartfelt speech” about the families they assist during their toughest times.
Lisa added: “Our silent and general auctions were successful, thanks to the generous donations from Trump Turnberry, The Lochside Hotel, Stobo Castle, Celtic FC, and many local businesses, friends, and members of our Facebook group, Team 50/50 – Helping Those in Need. To cap off the evening, The Brightside Band provided fantastic entertainment.
“The foodbank at St Bernadette’s is much smaller than Loaves and Fishes. Both will receive funding proportionate to their needs, and they are absolutely delighted with the outcome.”
Lisa took time out from teaching while her daughter was ill with meningitis, and now works with the charity West Scotland Deaf Children’s Society.
She continued: “The money we’ve raised is a lifeline, you hear some of the stories and it breaks your heart. We keep trying to do the raffles and raise money, and we sent another £500 over to Loaves and Fishes at the beginning of January. They usually don’t have a lot of money or get a lot of donations at this time of year.
A social media post by Loaves and Fishes said: “Despite a tough January for everyone these guys still came through for us. We didn’t ask. But these amazing people gave none the less.
“I truly hope every one of the people who contributed this month understand just how much this means. How much it means in tins, packets, nappies, eggs and veg. But also how much it means to have that support in January.”
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