Burghead groups band together to help those hit by Covid crisis
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
BURGHEAD and Cummingston community groups have pooled resources to ensure help reaches those who need it most during the pandemic.
The Covid crisis committee pulls together members of the community council, Free Church, the community garden and hall organisations to support anyone in need, particularly families and individuals left with little or no income, the frail and elderly, the anxious or lonely, and self-isolating individuals.
Burghead Amenities Association (BAA), which runs the community garden, is acting as the anchor organisation, which was last month awarded a Scottish Government grant from the Supporting Communities Fund, distributed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, to help community members hit by the impact of the public health crisis.
The committee is co-ordinating the use of the funding to deliver food, care parcels, money for energy and phones, and more, with local volunteers lined up to collect and deliver shopping and medicines.
Sandra Milne, BAA treasurer, said: "Currently we are focusing on food – but other needs may grow soon – and we are ready to help with those too.
"A leaflet has been sent round to every household in Burghead and Cummingston with emergency numbers and volunteer contacts.
"There are households in our community with no income, and many with a reduced income, and the grant is designed to help them most."
Three Blessing Boxes are now in place by the Free Church, on Kinloss Street, set up by the community council and church. People are urged to leave what they can and take what they need from the boxes, which include food, toiletries and household items. The first Blessing Box was installed at the end of April and the newest box is for fruit and vegetables.
Carrie Marlow, of Burghead Free Church, said: "We want to support anyone who needs food, and have a variety of ways to do so. Just contact us and we are here to help you.
"The newest Blessing Box, a wooden cabinet kindly made by local joiner Lachie Ralph, is designed for fruit and vegetables. We shop for fresh fruit and veg once or twice a week, and we have had a donation of 50kg of potatoes from Woodside Farm Shop, which helps a lot.
"All are welcome to use the box, with blessings from the whole community.
"The other ways of accessing food are to contact me on 07583 498782 for food parcels and access to Moray Food Plus. No one should be going hungry. We were also donated dog food, so no one’s pets should be going hungry either."
The new committee is also funding free hot meals on Sundays for those who need them, prepared by the Station Hotel and delivered by volunteers.
The Harbour Inn is delivering free lunches on Mondays.
People are urged to contact Chris Tuke, at the Burghead and Cummingston Covid crisis committee, on 01343 835537 if they are worried about anyone going without food or other essentials in the area.
