Cluny kids help make Christmas real for needy with food bank donation
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THE true meaning of Christmas was most certainly not lost on pupils at Cluny Primary in Buckie when they came together to help a Moray food bank.
Youngsters in P4/5W, taught by Rhona McCallum, and Lois Watson's P5W sacrificed their annual advent chocolate and instead brought in a variety of food items to help those facing the brutal squeeze of soaring heating and grocery bills.
Their collective efforts has resulted in a hefty donation of food to Moray Food Plus, which seeks to alleviate food poverty across the region.
Collecting the food on behalf of the charity was Stephen Harris, who has been with Moray Food Plus for the past 18 months.
He said: "It's great to get a donation like this, especially at Christmas time.
"I'm delighted to see the kids involved like this – the future's safe if the kids care about other people.
"The amount of deliveries we're doing is going up and everyone's feeling the pinch.
"It's wonderful to see the vast amount people are donating to us even though they're feeling it themselves."
Mrs McCallum said the pupils deserved a huge amount of credit for not only their efforts but for putting others before themselves.
"I'm very proud of them all," she continued.
"The amount they've raised for Moray Food Plus is just phenomenal.
"Using the advent calendar, the pupils all had a day to bring something in for the collection. They sacrificed their own chocolate to help people in need.
"I first saw the appeal for Moray Food Plus on Facebook and it fitted in very well with part of the curriculum we've been working on in class, which is all about looking at how charities work in our local area and supporting them."
The venture certainly seemed to have had a positive impact on the kids involved.
Speaking to some of the pupils in Mrs McCallum's class, they told the Advertiser:
"It makes me feel warm inside because I'm doing something good for someone else in need."
"I'm happy to help someone who needs it."
"It makes me feel happy to help someone at Christmas."
"I'm happy to help someone who can't afford stuff."
Moray Food Plus accept both referrals from agencies and self-referrals, their food parcels typical providing three days' worth of food. This can include pet or baby food on request.
To find out more about Moray Food Plus and how to support or access their services, visit their Facebook page or website www.morayfoodplus.org.uk, email admin@morayfoodplus.org.uk or phone (01343) 208293.
