Helping Hands Soup Kitchen

A WHIFFLET soup kitchen has received an early Christmas present from the Ross and Liddell Community Bursary Scheme.

Helping Hands Soup Kitchen is a recipient of the property management company’s fifth annual funding programme, which provides support to organisations all over Scotland.

The group, which is run by big-hearted local Ann Binks, will use the cash to buy supplies and presents for its annual Christmas dinner party.

Ann and her team of volunteers give up their free time to put on a fantastic festive spread for needy local residents at the centre in Easton Place.

Ann said:

"This funding really is fantastic for the group. We are planning on putting it towards food for the Christmas dinner.

We’ll also buy mince pies and some little gifts for the guys that come in. They really make an effort and you can see how much it means to them and how much they enjoy it.

Last year was the first time we ran the Christmas dinner. We had turkey and all the trimmings, but we make a great home-made steak pie and the guys love it, so we are going for that. Most of them end up taking four or five portions home with them!"

Ross and Liddell specialises in property management and maintenance, as well as providing a comprehensive range of residential and commercial services, including sales, lettings, surveying and insurance.

Now in its fifth year, the Community Bursary Scheme was launched to provide support to organisations that make a vital difference in their community.

Helping Hands Soup Kitchen is one of 31 groups to receive funding in this bursary year. Glasgow property manager Robert Armstrong made the presentation at the centre this month.

Irene Devenny, managing director of Ross and Liddell, said:

"The bursary has really gone from strength to strength and the number of entries that we received for the 2015 scheme was fantastic.

It’s so important that organisations like Helping Hands Soup Kitchen have access to funding sources to ensure needy people in the area are able to enjoy their Christmas and benefit from the experience and friendships that being part of a group like this brings.

We are thrilled to offer our support and know that the funding will be put to good use."