Dumfries’ First Base Emergency Food Project has been given a helping hand with an outpouring of support.
A £500 donation has been presented to manager Mark Frankland from the Dumfries Lions Club with member, John MacColl, explaining that the bumper cheque was possible thanks to successful fundraising events during the past few months.
Mr MacColl said: “We are aware of the good work being done by First Base, particularly at this time of year and we are pleased to be able to assist them by providing some financial help.”
Myra Smith, community champion at the Morrisons supermarket in Brooms Road, said they have been “overwhelmed” by the extra donations of foodstuffs appearing in their year-round collection point in store for the First Base Agency.
She said: “Everyone seems to want to help. We had primary three pupils from St Andrew’s RC Primary School in the store purchasing pick-up packs last week of food for The First Base Agency, which was lovely.
“And we are grateful to all our generous customers who have donated a full van to the First Base Agency again this week. Your support donating food and pick up packs is really appreciated.
“Mark Frankland asked me to pass on his thanks to everyone who has donated this week.”
The region’s first foodbank project has been a lifeline for desperate families in Dumfries and Galloway for 18 years, with Mark seeing a steady increase in the number of people needing a helping hand.
Currently, he and the volunteers are handing out more than 1,600 food parcels a month.
He said donations received of late have been “incredibly heartening” and “off the scale” and currently have set it up for the harsh months to come with the cost of living crisis showing no let-up.
“But thanks to the generosity of people, we are managing the situation for now.”
