29-07-2025
Loaves and Fishes pledge to be 'more than a bag of food' as ribbon is cut at lifeline community hub
The multibank provides basic supplies to more than 1,000 people in need every week from their new premises at Greenhills Community Centre.
It was a full circle moment as Loaves and Fishes charity founder Geordie Aitken officially opened the multibank's new and improved premises in East Kilbride with a stark message - 'our success is society's failure'.
Hundreds of supporters turned out on Saturday to celebrate the milestone moment with former chairmen Denis Curran MBE and Dominic Everett and Chief Executive The Celtic Foundation Tony Hamilton among the special guests at the new Greenhills Community Hub.
A whopping £2000 was raised for the lifeline food and clothing bank on the day which provides basic supplies to more than 1,000 people in need every week - a stark reminder of the growing hardship many local families face.
From pensioners to parents, the support they offer is a lifeline in the face of rising poverty and inequality.
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The opening event was a day of celebration, solidarity, and renewed commitment, bringing together residents, volunteers, and elected representatives to support a cause that continues to make a profound impact.
Current chairperson Lesley Davidson told supporters she was "so excited and grateful" to be given this opportunity by South Lanarkshire Council and that she and her dedicated 74-strong team of volunteers will endeavour to create an environment where it's always "more than food".
Loaves and Fishes were successful in rescuing the under-threat Greenhills Community Centre through South Lanarkshire Council's Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Lite process.
Securing the much larger and more central premises spells a new chapter for the charity in the heart of East Kilbride's most deprived area where they aim to better serve those in need.
Lesley said: "We were delighted to welcome so many lovely supporters to our open day on Saturday. This opportunity to celebrate the completed Community Asset Transfer was a chance for our team of 74 volunteers to show our community just what Greenhills Community Hub was going to be.
"A food bank, a source of clothing, household items, electrical goods, a warm space for tea and coffee, company, signposting and just the chance to be with other people.
"Our special guests of course were the family of Geordie Aitken, our charity founder. Geordie was a character whom so many have great memories of. To have son Adam and daughter Bev, his wife... to have them here to cut the ribbon and officially open the building was a beautiful full circle moment.
"We were so chuffed to welcome Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive The Celtic Foundation. They have supported Loaves and Fishes for decades now, I'm so proud that they continue to do so.
"It was a joy to welcome two of our former chairpersons, Dominic Everett and of course Denis Curran MBE. I think for Denis to visit is a bittersweet feeling. So many memories of his years with the charity and his beloved wife Cathie, sadly no longer with us.
"Every single person who came is valued and has made a difference. I'm so grateful to the community who supported us in being awarded the asset transfer."
Aside from its multibank, Greenhills Community Hub will also be hosting ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, providing small group cooking classes and using the greenspaces around to grow fresh produce.
Tenants Waist Not Want Not will also continue to deliver their valuable and well-established service much loved by the local community. They too have been able to extend their provision and services through the move.
Lesley added: "It's never been just a bag of food for Loaves and Fishes. It's always been more, but this move really allows us to deliver on this. Food banks are here for the foreseeable future - we can't change that.
"What we can do is create an environment where it's always 'more than food'. Our strapline of 'Full Tummies, Warm Hearts, Clear Heads' has never been more appropriate than it is now.
"But in amongst all this joy and celebration, lets not forget, food banks should not be a necessity. We are doing the work the state should be doing. Our success is society's failure, it's that simple.
"But, for as long as we are needed, we will do this well. We will look after everyone who needs us. We will grow and evolve to be more than 'a bag of food' because that is not a solution - it's a sticking plaster.
"We are so grateful to the community of Greenhills for welcoming our Community Hub and for welcoming our volunteers, customers and supporters. We are so glad to be here, for as long as we are needed."
To mark the opening, SNP councillors delivered bags filled with groceries, toiletries, and everyday essentials to help restock the shelves of the charity's new hub.
Speaking at the event, Councillor John Anderson condemned the policies driving local hardship, saying: 'When 1,000 people in East Kilbride are relying on food support each week, it's not simply a local issue — it's the direct result of failed national policy. Westminster continues to uphold cruel Tory-era measures like the two-child cap and punitive benefit sanctions. The people of this town deserve better.'
Thanks go to The Kraken Chippy who fed guests for free on the day and gave all profits to Loaves and Fishes.
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