Lifeline Scots multibank needs volunteers to join fight against poverty as it moves into bigger base to cope with demand
Loaves and Fishes are looking for volunteers to join their fight against poverty as they unlock a new chapter in the heart of East Kilbride's most deprived area.
After their much-anticipated move was delayed when Storm Eowyn blew the roof off Greenhills Community Centre, the lifeline multibank finally has the keys to their new base.
Loaves and Fishes were successful in rescuing the under-threat venue through South Lanarkshire Council's Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Lite process.
Greenhills Hall sits in the heart of the most deprived area of the town and the charity's aim is to better serve those in need who struggle to access food and essential goods at its former premises at Singer Road in the Kelvin Industrial Estate.
The multibank will close for one week while the new base is set up and will reopen at Greenhills Community Centre on Tuesday, June 10.
Chairperson Lesley Davidson said: 'After what seems like forever we have finally moved! We closed our old premises at Singer Road today (Thursday, May 29).
'It was a strange feeling, we were excited and of course feeling a little overwhelmed. We look forward to welcoming all of our customers, donators and supporters to Greenhills.
'We might deliver the service but it's not us who feed and look after people, it's the community in East Kilbride and it's a good place for that. We hope that this will be an easier location to access for people and are looking forward to being part of the community along with our partners at Waist Not Want Not.
'We can only offer a better service from here.'
Loaves and Fishes have moved into Greenhills Hall and Library to cater to increasing demand, deliver a wider range of services and to move into the area of most need in East Kilbride, allowing easier access for the local and wider community.
They are currrently dishing out more than 200 food parcels a week to those living on the breadline.
Operating since 1992, the anti-poverty charity has a strong committee and volunteer base and the organisation has linked up with local charity Waist Not Want Not to help those most in need, through a sub-lease of the library premises.
And the charity will be hosting a 'revolutionary' new community-led support initiative which will offer weekly advice from health, housing, social work and financial agencies.
Lesley added: 'This new partnership is such a fabulous opportunity to work with our friends at Waist Not Want Not and we could not be more excited about what the future will hold for us with Jan, Ann, Karen and the team.
'We were also invited to host this new multi-agency coordinated delivery which is pretty revolutionary as people can drop-in and get direct access to services that are needed the most.
'Given that food banks were never still meant to be in existence in 2025, for food banks to be sustainable in the long term you have to look at what else you can deliver which is why we're looking at this community-hub concept where people can stay for a cuppa and they can get advice.
'We're still a food bank and free non-food service, but we're now looking at the bigger picture of Loaves and Fishes community hub.'
The charity is now searching for a band of volunteers to join their dedicated team in their food warehouse and cafe and are also on the hunt for drivers and maintenance support with various other roles on offer.
Lesley went on: 'We are going to be much busier. We will manage it the way we always do but we are all going to have to work a bit harder.
'Despite having an excellent team of passionate volunteers, we desperately need more. For us to deliver our service to the standard we would like, we really need volunteers in our food warehouse, drivers, cafe, maintenance and a variety of other roles.
'Loaves and Fishes provides vital care and support across East Kilbride and far beyond. We would love you to join us. If you are keen to join our fight against poverty, isolation and genuinely improving people's lives we have a role for you.'
An official open day at the new premises will be held on Saturday, July 26, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and special guests.
Lesley is hoping to unveil a special plaque to pay a lasting tribute to the people who began Loaves and Fishes.
Locals are encouraged to go along to meet the team and tour the new premises with afternoon tea, stalls, a bouncy castle and more entertainment.
Visitors will also be welcomed by a striking new mural painted free-hand by talented Strathaven jeweller and Loaves and Fishes volunteer Iona Lundie.
Lesley continued: 'The move felt like a good time to reflect on our history and the charity's beginnings. Our talented resident artist Iona Lundie has already created a welcome mural in our hallway, however she is working on a very special piece to really show the history and growth of the charity.
'This has led me to have some amazing conversations with those involved at the very beginning of Loaves and Fishes - Denis Curran of course, the family of Geordie Aitken, Rev David Currie and many more.
'It's been an absolute honour to learn so much about our roots and see the huge changes, while also learning that actually our mission remains the same as it did in the very beginning - giving our people 'Full Tummies Warm Hearts Clear Heads'.
'We just need the support to continue to do this. We are so grateful to our town, its businesses, churches, youth groups and all who support our work. Heres to the next chapter!'
Loaves and Fishes would like to thank all their supporters for their help with the big move, including Sandy at ISS Hairmyres, EK Rugby Club, South Lanarkshire College painting students, Bo Concept, Glencairn Crystal and Paul from Gallagher Carpets & Flooring.
And a special thanks to Gebbie & Wilson Strathaven's Solicitors & Estate Agents who covered all their legal fees free of charge.
To enquire about volunteering contact Lesleyloavesandfishesek@gmail.com or send a direct message to Loaves and Fishes on Facebook or alternatively call 01355 223657.
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