Stepping Stones continues to heavily rely on public generosity. The tireless volunteers, a backbone of the operation, comprise a diverse group—mostly retirees, some with additional support needs and others driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to their local community. Drawing from personal experiences, some volunteers intimately understand the emotional, mental, and social toll experienced by those relying on foodbanks, providing a nurturing, judgment-free environment for those seeking assistance.
The donation of £21,000 by Castle MacLellan is vial funding for Stepping Stones. This contribution will enable the foodbank to acquire essential resources—a glass-fronted refrigerator, freezer, necessary office equipment, FareShare memberships. The donation will not only bolster their operational capacity but also facilitate the provision of food and essential hampers to those in need to strengthen the incredible work Stepping Stones offers to the community.
Queen of the South Community Trust: Powering Community Support Together
Queen of the South Community Trust has been pivotal in addressing food insecurity through its Community Food Hub. The Trust’s tireless efforts to provide warm meals, food hampers, and a sense of community to over 10,300 individuals will be further bolstered by Castle MacLellan’s contribution of £5,350. This support ensures the continuation and expansion of critical services to those facing food poverty.
Daniel Armstrong, Queens of The South Community Trustee explains “The cost-of-living crisis has impacted everyone, forcing some community, including young families, to choose between meals and heating. The generous contributions from Castle MacLellan and Kavli Trust will play a huge part in supporting our food hub initiative and providing help to families and individuals most in need.”
The Food Hub team prioritises ensuring access to food while fostering kitchen skills and cost-effective meal preparation through volunteer-developed recipes. This donation enables the Queens of the South Community Food Hub to collaborate with local services, expanding their support across the community.
We have incredible support from our fan base but Food banks face challenges, especially in February and March due to lower donation levels. Daniel encourages locals to contribute food or learn more about their services.
The Mane: Pioneering Equine-Assisted Empowerment
Situated just outside Gatehouse of Fleet, The Mane stands is an equestrian centre renowned for its dedication to equine-assisted learning and activities. As an accredited ASDAN centre, their primary goal revolves around enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being through meaningful animal interactions.
At the core of The Mane’s philosophy lie three fundamental pillars: promoting healthy lifestyle choices, fostering community-mindedness, and emphasizing education and career success.
Their programs are designed to nurture essential life skills among young individuals, facilitating improvements in self-esteem, confidence, leadership qualities, empathy, and tolerance. Additionally, they underscore the significance of education, enabling youths to become resilient, adaptable, and responsible citizens, preparing them effectively for the future.
Castle MacLellan’s donation of £11,000 will directly aid The Mane in acquiring crucial equipment to continue to deliver this much needed service. This includes new riding hats, body protectors, harnesses, and two specialised fun bug carriages designed to facilitate enjoyable horse rides for individuals with varying abilities.
This contribution will not only enhance the safety and accessibility of their programs but also expand the opportunities for less-abled users to engage with horses. By providing essential resources, Castle MacLellan’s donation empowers The Mane to continue their invaluable services, fostering personal growth and empowerment through equine interactions.
