A Barrhead resident who goes the extra mile to provide a lifeline service to the local community has been awarded with East Renfrewshire Council’s Provost Award.
Stan Esson was named as citizen of the year 2022 for his work with East Renfrewshire Foodbank in Lowndes Street, Barrhead which spans almost a decade.
The Provost Award is an annual opportunity to honour a dedicated volunteer for their outstanding service, which makes a difference to their community and the lives of others in East Renfrewshire, and recognise them.
East Renfrewshire Foodbank was set up in early 2013 – giving out its first food parcels in September of that year.
Stan is a founding member of the food bank, taking on the role of warehouse manager where he has remained for almost 10 years.
Speaking about Stan receiving the award and the dedication he has given to help out his community, Provost Mary Montague said:“I’m delighted that after receiving many outstanding nominations this year, and deliberation with the judging panel, Stan Esson has been named as citizen of the year 2022 for his work volunteering with East Renfrewshire Foodbank as warehouse manager.
“Multiple nominations were submitted for Stan and it was clear he deserved to be recognised, with some describing him as a ‘driving force’, ‘stalwart’, ‘leading light’ and ‘the powerhouse’.
“Stan’s work in Barrhead and across the local community is absolutely essential as he helps provide a service which so many people increasingly rely on each week.
“It has been a difficult couple of years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and now the rising cost of living so food banks are seeing an ever increasing demand. Stan has continued to go above and beyond to help others during this challenging time.”
The provost added: “I’m looking forward to visiting the foodbank to present Stan with his award and hear more about the vital work he undertakes which clearly makes a difference to the lives of so many people.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination, we received some brilliant nominations.
“We’re so lucky to have so many selfless volunteers who give up their time to help others in East Renfrewshire.”
The Barrhead resident dedicates many hours of his time each week sorting donations, organising the storerooms, keeping tallies of all goods – by hand and online, meeting clients and liaising with the Trussell Trust to ensure that everyone who accesses the foodbank gets what they need.
Stan, who has lived in Barrhead for 81 years, knows the community inside out and when speaking about being nominated and winning the award he said: “It is a great surprise and privilege to be the recipient of the East Renfrewshire Provost Award.
“I would especially like to pay tribute to our dedicated team of volunteers past and present for their constant hard work and support.”
MSP Tom Arthur also commented on the effort from Stan and the those at East Renfrewshire Foodbank as he said it was a “pleasure” to meet the team behind the work that is done.
The SNP MSP said: “It was an absolute pleasure to meet Stan and the rest of the team recently at the Barrhead facility and to see the real difference the organisation makes to people across East Renfrewshire on a daily basis.”
East Renfrewshire Foodbank is open every Tuesday from 12pm until 2pm and Friday from 2pm until 4pm.
A minimum of three days’ nutritionally balanced, tinned and dried food donated by the local community is provided.
More information about East Renfrewshire Foodbank and the support that is available is on their website at https://bit.ly/3w7N2FY
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