Volunteers have turned a football stadium into an emergency food hub.
So far, more than 9,000 meals have been made and dispatched by Partick Thistle Charitable Trust.
Over the past seven weeks, vulnerable people in the north of Glasgow have been given a life line during the pandemic.
The trust has delivered its Covid-19 response programme in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Progrez and NG Homes.
The project is based from Partick Thistle’s home at The Energy Check Stadium at Firhill and reaches children and families, the elderly and vulnerable, in communities in and around Maryhill.
Those benefitting receive not only free meals – for many the only hot food they currently enjoy – but other essential items such as hand sanitiser, weekend breakfast packs and self-help books.
'Essential'
Paul Kelly, Manager of PTCT, said: “This service is absolutely essential to a great many elderly and vulnerable people who either have no family or friends locally who can assist them or are shielding and unable to leave the house during this extremely challenging time.
“The positive impact on them has been matched by the very moving reaction to our delivery teams.
"They have received cards, gifts and thank-yous from some very grateful children and elderly people who really see us as a lifeline and their only source of a hot meal each day.
"The spirit and energy of the team is quite something – they are a credit to the Trust and Partick Thistle family.
“We must also thank our partners, particularly Progrez and NG Homes, without whom this project would not have been possible as well as the, once again, magnificent fundraising efforts of our fans.
"We are also seeing new partnerships form, with significant contributions of food from McDonalds Springburn and hand sanitiser from Pernod-Ricard.”
'Deeply saddened'
Partick Thistle Charitable Trust relies on ongoing donations to ensure the programme can continue and are constantly reminded of the fragility of those they are supporting.
Paul continued: “We have received a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our service users as, sadly, three of them have died in just the past week.
"We are deeply saddened by this and pass on our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who have passed.
“This only underlines the importance of the work we are doing, which helps people who may be registered blind, have acute dementia, a physical disability or be in extreme poverty brought about by job loss and no access to income.
"Every single pound and penny donated helps these people – so to those who can afford to do so I ask you to keep on supporting us and please spread the word.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so via the Trust’s fundraising page here.
Gerry Britton, Partick Thistle FC Chief Executive, said: “We’re extremely proud of the team at Partick Thistle Charitable Trust for the lifeline they are providing so many vulnerable people right now.
“The Football Club is delighted to be one of a number of supporters of this project, with the work based at Firhill, and would only encourage others to get involved to ensure this important work can continue for as long as it is needed.”
