Suitcase appeal boost for Buckie food bank
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THE shelves of a Buckie food bank have received a generous boost thanks to a local firm.
Hay's Travel were inspired by The Big Help Out – a tribute to King Charles's public service which seeks to encourage people to get involved with volunteering themselves – to hold their Fill a Suitcase campaign.
Local people were invited to pop by the travel agent's and donate food and toiletries which were then handed over to the store's next door neighbours, Buckie Community Hub, which is run by Buckie Area Forum (BAF). The items have now been passed to the Hub's food bank partner, Buckie Salvation Army's food larder.
The public's generosity was hailed by travel consultant Karen Pitt.
She said: "We're all very pleased with the response to the Fill a Suitcase campaign, we had lots of people stopping by for a blether and to donate food and toiletries.
"We're glad we did it, especially as it's for such a good cause.
"The next fundraising event we're looking to hold is lucky squares to raise money for Buckie's Roots and for a polytunnel at the support for learning department at Buckie Community High School. The polytunnel project is so the pupils there can grow food and to help their mental health and wellbeing.
"Nationally, Hay's Travel are supporting local charities working in the field of young people's mental health. If any groups in the local area involved with young people's mental health would like us to fundraise for them or help out, they're welcome to get in touch with us here at Hay's Travel in Buckie."
Mrs Pitt added that the firm were keen to get more involved with the community and were keen to hear from groups who would like them to help out. The Hay's team can be contacted on (01542) 898286 or email buckie@hays-travel.co.uk
Welcoming the donation, BAF chairman Gordon McDonald said: "It's a great thing to see local retailers mucking in together to help the local community through the cost of living crisis.
"Hay's Travel came up with an excellent scheme to collect food for those in need and their donation will be passed on to the Salvation Army's food larder."
Since opening last November, the Hub has been fulfilling a number of roles, including serving as a warm bank and a helping signpost people in need – especially due to the cost of living crisis – to the relevant agencies for assistance. The Hub recently received a grant to the tune of £13,500 from the National Lottery's Community Fund to purchase food and energy vouchers, mobile data packs, food flasks, hot water bottles, torches and fleece throws.
Demand for the Hub's services shows no sign of abating, said Mr McDonald.
He continued: "I thought that demand for the Hub's services would quieten down during the summer months.
"While this has been the case on the energy bills front there's been no let up on everything else across the board.
"We're in the process of gearing up for winter, which looks like it could be a difficult one again. We'll be building up stocks of different things, including food vouchers.
"Food banks are also likely to take an extra hit when food larders based in schools close for the summer holidays."
The Hub is situated at 17 East Church Street in Buckie and is open at the following times: Monday/Wednesday/Friday – 10am-4pm; Tuesday – 10am-4pm, 6pm-8pm.
For more information on the work of the Hub and the services it offers, visit its Facebook page.
The Salvation Army food larder runs Tuesdays at the New Street hall from 11am to 2.30pm. No referrals are necessary to access this service and users pay an annual registration fee of £3 plus a weekly sum of £2.50 which entitles them to a generous food package.
