East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure team lend a helping hand at hub

The team is volunteering at the local Humanitarian Food Hub, which recently moved from Barrhead High to Dunterlie Community Centre in Barrhead.

They have been working with East Renfrewshire Council to distribute parcels to those on the shielded list or are struggling financially because of the impact of coronavirus.

Barrhead Foundry Team Leader Kirsty Macintosh said the role is fulfilling for the volunteers, keeping spirits high and helping volunteers to stay active.

Speaking ahead of National Volunteer Week (1-7 June), Kirsty said: “We have such a good bunch all working together to help the vulnerable in the community.

“While we’re carrying out our tasks, we’re tracking our steps and comparing them so we’re keeping fit along the way too.

“One day, I reached 22k steps while helping to unload two major deliveries, between bringing the supplies in from the lorry, unpacking, loading and refilling.

“We’ve also been known to do some Tik Tok videos and sing alongs down the radio. It’s great to be able to have fun while we help out.”

Residents in need received over 1,000 emergency and weekly parcels in the last month.

Robert Hammond from East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure said: “We’re so proud of our employees’ efforts at the Humanitarian Hub.

“The volunteers are helping to package food parcels, organising supplies and welcoming people who visit the hub for supplies.

“The local community know our team members from their roles at front desk on reception at our leisure centre and libraries or through meeting at our community halls and facilities. They have been remarking that it’s also great for to see friendly faces at this time.”

Social distancing is being observed by staff working at the centre and by those making deliveries.

Residents should still attend local foodbanks in the first instance but for urgent needs call 0141 577 3001 or email [email protected] to find out more about the service.