AN IRVINE councillor battled the wild weather to make essential deliveries to elderly residents recently.

Councillor Ruth Maguire joined the Food Train charity on a day’s work to deliver supply to residents across the town.

And although the weather didn’t make for an easy day out, Councillor Maguire and the Food Train team showed their dedication and managed to make their deliveries.

Based at Elliot House, Food Train provide a range of services delivered by volunteers to older people including grocery shopping, home deliveries and household support services.

Speaking this week, Councillor Maguire, the SNP’s Cunninghame South candidate for the Holyrood elections, said: “I was so impressed with what I heard at the launch of the Foodtrain North Ayrshire that I had to get out there and see it in action first hand.

“While lending a wee hand out and about with Marri on the Irvine run I had the opportunity to speak with folk using the service.

“They were all full of praise for the Food Train volunteers and agreed that the service was invaluable and helped them immensely.”

Irvine Times:

Food Train Regional Manager, Marri Welsh, added: “All our volunteers, including Councillor Ruth Maguire, braved the weather last week to make essential grocery deliveries to our growing number of elderly customers. Now over 70 local older people are enjoying the benefits of this vital service.

 “Our volunteer shoppers can be found three mornings a week in the Irvine branch of Sainsbury’s, making up the orders before they go out for delivery. Sainsbury’s are very supportive of the service, and regularly treat Food Train customers to flowers, cakes and magazines.

 “I’m delighted with the support from Councillor Maguire, who rolled up her sleeves and took part in a full day of service delivery. The weather wasn’t on our side, but it allowed Councillor Maguire see just how crucial our service is during winter months.”

Marri says the service is developing well across North Ayrshire and insists the charity receive weekly calls from families thanking them for being a ‘lifeline’ in the community.

If you or someone you know would benefit from Food Train’s shopping service, or you would like to find out more about volunteering, please contact Marri on 01294 271 025 or email marri@thefoodtrain.co.uk.