Inverness church craft fair raises thousands of pounds for Highland Foodbank
A craft fair and coffee morning at Hilton Church in Inverness raised £2469 for the Highland Foodbank.
The fair was organised by Shona MacPherson and the other members of the church’s craft group who have worked throughout the year to create handmade items for sale.
Members and friends of the church also donated bakes and cakes which were for sale and also raised substantial funds.
Shona said: "I was overwhelmed and so delighted by everyone’s generosity and hard work.
"There was a lovely atmosphere at the event, and the sense of community and fellowship was wonderful."
Highland Foodbank manager Lorna Dempster said: "Up until the event it was uncertain how many people would come along as there were many other similar events on in the city that same day.
"The turn-out was beyond what was expected and the atmosphere was fantastic, with a real sense that the effort put into the event was going towards such an important cause.
"At Highland Foodbank we hear stories on a daily basis, from Hilton and beyond, of people living in real poverty, struggling to afford the basics.
"This generous giving – both of time and finance – will certainly make a massive difference as Highland Foodbank continues to support local people in crisis with emergency food."
Highland Foodbank is overseen by charity Blythswood Care, and is part of the Trussell Trust network of food banks.
The Trussell Trust has a network of more than 1300 food bank centres in the UK which provide a minimum of three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food to people who have been referred, and give people advice to maximise their incomes to eventually lift themselves out of poverty.
Highland Foodbank recognises that 'ending hunger is about more than food' and provides compassionate, practical support to people in crisis to tackle the root causes that lock people into poverty and build people’s resilience so they are less likely to need a food bank in the future.
Mrs Dempster added: "The amount of money raised was incredible and way beyond what anybody imagined, and this is very much appreciated.
"This generosity both of time and finance will certainly make a massive difference in supporting local people in crisis with emergency food."
