Community groups and charities in Stirling are combining with former staff of a foodbank and a city businessman to help organise a special food bank service for those in need on Christmas Eve.
The ‘Stirling Aid Christmas Community Food’ effort aims to distribute food donated by local businesses and supermarkets to those facing being left hungry on the big day in difficult economic circumstances.
It has been organised following the closure of the Community Food Project previously run by Transition Stirling in Wellgreen Lane, with staff who previously worked there giving up their time to help out.
That contribution has been backed up by Stirling Citizens’ Advice Bureau and the Haider Bhatti family to open the community food hub building one more time on December 24.
In addition to the contribution of staff and volunteers, several local companies have become involved in the project.
They include The Smiddy at Blairdrummond, Waitrose, Start Up Stirling, and Fair Share. Black Lotus Barbers, Stirling CAB and the Book Nook are fundraising to purchase ingredients to batch cook hearty meals for one.
Stirling Aid have also approached M&S, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Iceland, Farmfoods, Co-op, Bookers, and Sainsbury’s for their support.
Joe Swindells, vice-chair of Stirling CAB and former operations manager at the Wellgreen said: “I heard about the closure of my former project and, whilst not surprised given economic challenges, I was heartbroken that it was to come to an end so close to Christmas.
“After discussing with the landlord of the building, Azam and former food project volunteer Jen Clarke, I felt it was essential we did something to support the community at Christmas.
“I am hopeful that this could prove to be the start of a bigger enterprise, providing a much-needed service for the community.”
Businessman Azam Haider Bhatti, a board member of Stirling Aid and owner of the Computer Division shop in the city, added: “We are proud to be a four generation family from Stirling. Stirling has been very good to us and we’re delighted to be in a position to support an initiative that can ensure as many families as possible aren’t going hungry on Christmas Day.”
The project has also gained the support of Bridge of Allan and Dunblane councillor Alasdair Tollemache, who is a Fairtrade ambassador.
“Fair Trade Stirling has been working with fair trade rice producers in the Karonga region of Malawi for over 12 years.
“By buying their Kilombero rice and donating it they are helping people in Stirling and giving a boost to the Fairtrade partners in Malawi. We are delighted to be able to support the group distributing food on Christmas Eve.”
Any donation of boxed/new toys can also be handed into the Stirling CAB office in Cameronian Street until 1pm on Christmas Eve – see page 9 for more details.