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November 7, 2020Region’s Food Train branch comes out tops as BOXtober drive exceeds charity’s expectations
Generous residents of Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire have led the country with support for a charity’s latest fundraising campaign.
People and businesses from across the regions have supported Food Train’s BOXtober initiative, putting their seal on just over 140 crates – more than any other single branch in Scotland.
Food Train helps hundreds of older people across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire lead better lives in their own home by ensuring they do not go without vital shopping supplies.
Throughout October the charity, which operates locally from Seedhill, Paisley, encouraged people to pledge just £10 to sponsor one of the boxes in which its volunteers carry groceries to those who would otherwise struggle with their shopping and potentially go without the essentials – and even socially-distanced personal contact – needed for a healthy life.
In Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, 141 boxes have been sponsored, ensuring a £1,141 boost for the organisation’s work.
Nationally, BOXtober generated twice as much money as it did in 2020, collecting £6,160.
Emma Black, Food Train’s National Fundraising and Marketing Manager, said: “Thank you to everyone in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire who has supported BOXtober.
“Asking someone to sponsor a box may not seem too conventional, but the impact that it can have is remarkable. These boxes carry shopping supplies which mean the older people who are receiving them can eat well and live well in their own homes.
“This year more than ever, our work has never been needed more in the regions. It’s clear from the great reaction we’ve had that people recognise that and appreciate all that our tremendous volunteers and staff do.”
Each sponsored box is labelled to acknowledge the support for a year.
Across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, Food Train is currently delivering shopping supplies to 270 customers through it’s acclaimed home shopping service. That is compared to 160 at this time last year.
Nationally, demand at the peak of the pandemic’s lockdown was 70% higher than 2019 as older people shielded in their homes.
Anyone interested in volunteering to support the work of Food Train in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire should call 0141 887 2557 to find out more.
