Aviemore helpers can't even give it away
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Aviemore has plenty of food, books and clothing to go around – but what it does not seem to have is a supply of people and families who need its help.
Maggie Lawson, development manager for the Badenoch and Strathspey Community Transport Company, has told the Strathy that there are now so few takers for the public’s donations, that the Food Share Project is working just one day a week dispersing provisions from its base at St Andrews Church Hall on Grampian Road.
She said: We know there is a need out there, but people aren’t turning up and we don’t know why.”
Organiser Beth Hay recruits all the volunteers and organises the community project.
She said: “We used to run the food share on three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11am to 1pm, but the numbers have dropped so much now that we just run it on a Friday, 11am-1pm and 6pm-7pm.
“Even then, last week only a couple of people turned up.
"We’re baffled, because we know there are people who do need our books, fresh vegetables, soups, school uniforms, cat food, toiletries, etc.
“The idea here is that no food goes to landfill, but so few people turn up that they’re outnumbered by the volunteers. We have excellent school uniforms for youngsters – but no one has come to pick them up."
She explained that people do not have to book appointments, fill in any forms or be referred, they just need to turn up and take what they need.
“We have boxes and crates full of useful things but they are just sitting here. Hopefully when they see the situation people will realise we are here to help.”
Anyone needing more details can call the BSCTC on 01479 810004 or email info@ct4u.co.uk
