The Clyde Coast and Garnock Valley Crematorium has made a much needed £4,000 donation to North Ayrshire Foodbank.

It is hoped that this donation will directly help local people in crisis during these exceptionally difficult times caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the national lockdown.

Unfortunately, many families across the local area have been impacted by COVID-19 not only in terms of bereavement and loss, but also through the fact that the prolonged lockdown has meant that many people are unable to work, which in turn has had a devastating impact on their finances and their ability to purchase food.

Last year, the North Ayrshire Foodbank helped over 9,000 local families with three-day emergency food supplies, and recent research suggests that alarmingly, one in five of the UK population live below the poverty line.

This £4,000 donation made by Clyde Coast and Garnock Valley Crematorium is made up of £1,912, all of which has been donated by kind-hearted people who have visited the crematorium over the past year.

Over the months, locals have left money and spare change in the general collection boxes, with the crematorium match-funding this amount, and rounding it up to a grand total of an impressive £4,000

Philip Ewing, Clyde Coast and Garnock Crematorium Manager said:“We are at the heart of the communities we serve, and our sole aim is to support those in need when help is most needed.

“We are very pleased to be in a position to make this £4,000 donation to North Ayrshire Foodbank - with our sincere and heartfelt thanks also going to everyone of those people who dropped their spare change and donations into our collection boxes over the past year.”

Craig Crosthwaite, coordinator from North Ayrshire Foodbank added: “We thank everybody for their compassionate giving through the donation box and for the Clyde Coast and Garnock Valley Crematorium more than match funding the amount collected. This money will be used to support a new project to assist local households.

“Across North Ayrshire a network of Larder projects are being established.

“The funds will go to buying fresh fruit, vegetables and meat to be issued to households giving healthy and nutritional food.”

Craig added: “Those living in Ayrshire who find themselves struggling to eat are welcome to attend any of the foodbanks for assistance.”