That the Parliament congratulates Stenhousemuir FC on being recognised as a Community Anchor Organisation (CAO) by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery Community Fund; notes that this is in recognition of the club’s leadership and continuing commitment to supporting the local community response to the COVID-19 pandemic; understands that the funding provided will support the club’s Community Help Initiative (CHI), which is providing a vital support service to hundreds of families every week; understands that the club has also secured funding from other local organisations, which will be publicised soon; understands the CHI is in its 10th week of operation supporting over 300 families thanks to an incredible team of 150 volunteers who have helped to achieve 307 families being supported with shopping and prescription collections, 6,000 school meals being delivered to young people qualifying for free school meals, 1,300 home-cooked meals being provided free of charge to vulnerable people, 741 vulnerable families being supported with vital food parcels, a virtual library service providing free books to anyone in the community, a befriending service ensuring regular contact for those socially isolated and free bedding plants being gifted to vulnerable people; further understands that these initiatives have helped to accumulate over 11,500 hours of support to many local people, including some of the most vulnerable in society; notes that Stenhousemuir FC coordinates and manages the CHI through its board of directors and three full-time staff, with support from a team of 150 volunteers; congratulates the collaborative effort, with a number of partners playing a key role, including Keeping Larbert & Stenhousemuir Beautiful, Carron Bathrooms, Larbert Round Table, Larbert High School Charity, Larbert High School, St Mungo’s High School and all Larbert cluster primary schools; wishes everyone involved continued success in the coming weeks and months, and looks forward to the day that phase 4 of lockdown easing is reached.
Supported by:
Clare Adamson, Tom Arthur, Monica Lennon, Gail Ross