Festive boost for food bank as Maryhill digs deep
Staff donate over 400 items to food bank.
Staff at Maryhill Housing have delivered an early Christmas present to families in need with a bumper food bank boost.
In a burst of Christmas generosity, the association’s staff have collected a massive amount of food – currently in excess of 400 items – and have beaten their own Christmas collection target.
The donation was in response to the SFHA’s Food Bank Advent Appeal, which saw the federation encouraging its members to give to their local food banks.
Now, the food, along with selected items of clothing such as kids’ pyjamas and decorations, will be taken to Glasgow Northwest Foodbank located at Ruchill Kelvinside Parish Church which is close to Maryhill Housing’s office.
Maryhill Chief Executive Bryony Willett said:
“The spirit of Christmas is alive and well at Maryhill Housing, thanks to our kind-hearted and generous team.
“The amount of food collected, in just a short time, is exceptional and illustrates the understanding our staff have for those needing a helping hand during the festive season.
“It is another example of the good work that housing associations everywhere do, which has a particular significance at Christmas.”
Earlier this year, staff chose two charities to assist. The animal charity SPCA was picked as a national focus for their endeavours, while Glasgow Northwest Foodbank was selected as the local option.
The aim is to raise £2,000 for the charities as well as collect 1,000 items of food over each six month period, which the association is on track to exceed, having collected almost 800 items in three months. Food for the food bank is being collected through dress down Fridays.
On the last Friday of each month, staff are encouraged to wear casual clothes if they donate a minimum of three items of food. Those who do not dress down make a voluntary cash donation. The staff are also running raffles, baking stalls and sponsored events to raise the £2,000.
Bryony added:
“Throughout 2017, we have put a renewed emphasis on volunteering and the enthusiasm from our team has been magnificent.”
Pictured: Maryhill staff members (left to right) James Ledger, Marie Little, Cheryl Cunningham and Christopher Duff with the food collected by the entire team.