Huntly theatre group backs food bank after inspiration from their latest musical show
A community theatre group have been inspired by the message at the heart of their upcoming production to support a local food bank.
Huntly-based Aurora Productions have taken the spirit of community and kindness running through their latest show Come from Away to partner with Huntly Food Pod and Huntly and Foggie Farmers’ Markets.
As they prepare for the European amateur premiere of the hit musical at the Stewart's Hall in Huntly from June 3-7, the cast and production team have partnered with the two organisations to launch a community collection drive.
Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Deeply moved by the show's themes of compassion and unity in the face of adversity, Aurora Productions felt compelled to give back to their own community.
The show’s director, Hannah McGinlay, said: "The story of Come From Away resonated so strongly with all of us.
"It's a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection and helping those in need. We wanted to take that spirit and translate it into tangible support for our neighbours here in Huntly."
The initiative involves collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries for the Huntly Food Pod, ensuring vital resources reach individuals and families facing hardship in the local area. The cast and crew have already held successful collection drives at the Huntly Farmers’ Market and the Foggie Neuk Farmers’ Market, demonstrating the community's willingness to contribute.
Stewart Duncan, Operations Manager at the Aberdeenshire North Food Bank, who run the Huntly Food Pod, commented: "We are incredibly grateful to Aurora for their fantastic support of the Huntly Food Pod this year.
“Their creativity and community spirit have made a real difference to local people, and we truly value the partnership."
Members of the public are encouraged to support this initiative by bringing non-perishable food and toiletry donations to future collection points at the Huntly and Foggie Farmers’ Markets (on May 3 and 17 respectively) and also during the run of Come From Away at the Stewart's Hall.
Alongside their food bank partnership, Aurora have also been supporting other local organisations, such as the Huntly Development Trust. Cast and committee members visited the trust’s Greenmyers site, where they helped to water and establish hundreds of tree saplings.
Ms McGinlay added: “These partnerships are so important to us - Aurora is not just committed to bringing high-quality theatre to Huntly, but this show has inspired us to actively contribute to the well-being of our community in other ways too.”
Tickets for Come From Away are on sale now at www.auroramusic.co.uk/box-office or in person at Rizza’s Ice Cream, Huntly.
