Let’s remove the stigma attached to foodbanks, and get together as a community to help others.

That is the positive message from Largs woman Catherine Gill-Jamieson, one of the volunteers who helps at the North Coast Foodbank operation which serves the town, Fairlie, Cumbrae and Skelmorlie.

Speaking to the ‘News’ Catherine, 62, said: “It can happen to anyone, and I think it is important to point out that people can be put into a position of financial distress through no fault of their own, and require the need to use a foodbank. Just last year, for the first time in my life and due to circumstances outwith my control, I had to approach the benefits system, and it is an example that people don’t think about. It is not just people who are at the lower ends of society, a company can collapse, people can be put out of work, and may have young families to feed - there are so many reasons why people may need to use a foodbank - the list is almost endless. I think it is important that we take away the stigma and encourage people to contribute.” The foodbank was launched last October after an appeal to donate food during a Saturday event at Morrison’s supermarket in Largs.

As a result, the Citizens Advice Bureau in Largs provides a Thursday drop-off point between 12 noon-6pm, Catherine, a mother of three, added: “We have an excellent team of eight volunteers - we are not a political group at all - I didn’t know anyone’s politican stances on the committee, and it has not been brought into the foodbank, and it is not discussed.” Catherine stated that while the North Coast Foodbank has been very successful, she hoped to encourage more people to donate in the local neighbourhood.

She said: “There are plenty people who are promotng it including supermarkets Tesco, Morrisons and Co-op who are all accepting donations. Churches and schools have also been making donations. We hope that we are reaching out to the vulnerable people who need assistance.” The North Coast foodbank group organise collections in three different packages, for single, couple, and family boxes, with the aim that a foodbank box will last for three days, and a voucher is available for those in need from Brooksby Medical Centre.

They also hope to get out into the community and plans are underway for a stall at Skelmorlie Gala Day, and donations of easter eggs are also welcomed.

Catherine said: “We don’t accept frozen items or perishables, as we don’t have the facilities. However, we do accept pet food, and toiletries.” The North Coast Foodbank would like to thank Alex Nisbet who has recently stood down from the committee. Catherine said: “We would like to thank Alex on behalf of ourselves and the community for the service he enthusiastically gave while volunteering with the foodbank and committee.” “As well as thanking all who have collected for the foodbank since we started, we would particularly like to offer our thanks to all the local schools who have generously collected for the foodbank. They are Brisbane Primary for the amazing amount of Advent Calenders at Christmas, Kelburn Primary, Largs Academy, and St Mary’s Primary who are currently collecting for 5 March.” “We must emphasise that this service is only for a real emergency as we cannot be seen to hand out food parcels to just anyone who calls. We are required to obtain the personal details which would be on a voucher and the reason for the emergency.” Items at present, which are needed at the North Coast Foodbank most but not exclusive are: sugar, tea, tinned meats and rice.

To find out more about the new local Foodbank project, go to Facebook and type NorthCoastFoodbankProject in the search engine.