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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

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Pensioners drive away hunger with food collection

This news post is over 5 years old
 

Donations have been delivered to the Inverclyde Foodbank

Tenants at a retirement development have shown a strong sense of community by collecting donations for a local food drive.

Over the last three weeks, residents at Bield’s Armadale Court in Greenock have hosted a food collection in aid of their local foodbank, collecting a staggering £200 worth of donations from friends, family and neighbours.

With the help of volunteers, the selection of canned foods and long-life products have since been boxed up and delivered to the Inverclyde Foodbank.

The foodbank is a part of The I58 Project - the social action ministry of the Greenock Elim Church - which works in partnership with The Trussell Trust to help reduce hunger and poverty within the community.

Liza Dow, Armadale Court’s retirement housing manager, said: “The residents were overwhelmed by the donations they received from their neighbours and were happy to help the local community by collecting groceries.

“The residents’ families helped out as well, and we were able to collect a couple hundred pounds worth of food.

“We often raise money for other charities but it was decided that the we would help out the food bank this time around, after reading about those in need in the local community in the paper.”

In addition to their good work collecting food donations, Armadale Court residents also periodically raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support through activities such as coffee mornings.

Each year they have managed to increase the amount raised through their efforts, raising around £700 over the past four years.

Later this month, residents will also team up with Inverclyde Heritage Hub to make poppies for a display commemorating the end of World War I.

Armadale Court resident Mary Macleod said: “It was a privilege and an honour to be in the position to take part in the activities within the complex.

“All the residents that take part in the events and activities are content with the feel-good factor and the accomplishment of helping others.”

Armadale Court is a Bield development for those aged 60 and over who want to be able to retain their independence while having help on hand when needed.