A Rangers legend has pledged his support to a local food bank.
Gordon Smith told the Reporter he has given his backing to Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP) after visiting the service, which supports people from across West Dunbartonshire and beyond, at the end of last year.
The former striker explained that he was “taken aback” after seeing the work that the charity does.
Gordon said: “Maureen Cummings [founder of OKFP] had asked me to come and see what the charity was all about and I went over there in October.
“I was really taken aback by it, it’s such a worthy cause. Just seeing the amount of effort the team puts in and the amount of work that goes into trying to help people.
“I got a tour of the place and I just thought ‘This is wonderful’ that people give up so much time to help others.
“It’s a fantastic thing that Maureen, the staff, and volunteers do to make people’s lives better and that’s why I’m very glad to be able to be a part of it and help it going forward.”
Gordon explained that he was sad to hear so many families are struggling to make ends meet.
He added: “I come from a working-class background. I grew up in a council house and we were fortunate that my dad had a job and we were able to make ends meet.
“It’s so sad when I hear about people who are really struggling to get food for themselves and that’s why I think this charity is so worthwhile.
“It has to be supported because they do a great job.”
OKFP is in the process of transitioning from its current premises in Station Road, Old Kilpatrick to its new home in the village’s Napier Hall.
The charity signed a ten-year lease for the hall on October 1 last year and has spent the past few months revamping the building.
Since its creation in 2021, the group has provided food to almost 30,000 people and grown in size with eight members of staff and 40 volunteers.
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