Castle MacLellan has announced its support for local charity initiatives with a substantial donation exceeding £37,000. This significant contribution underscores Castle MacLellan’s deep commitment supporting its local community.
The company’s philanthropic focus this year benefits three outstanding local charities: Stepping Stones Community Larder, Queen of the South Community Food Hub, and The Mane. Each organisation was carefully selected by Castle MacLellan’s dedicated team for their exceptional efforts in combating food poverty, enhancing community well-being, and providing inclusive, empowering activities.
Last year, the Kirkcudbright based food producer delivered record sales, supplying some the UKs most recognisable and prestigious retailers. Sam Warren, Site Operations Manager at Castle MacLellan commented “We’re very proud to fund this important work improving the lives of our local community in Dumfries and Galloway.
Castle MacLellan is owned by Kavli Trust, a charitable foundation which means that profits from the sale of our products support good causes. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these donations will have on our local community.”
Stepping Stones Community Larder and Foodbank stands as a beacon of hope, transforming the concept of food banks into a stigma-free, empowering community resource. With Castle MacLellan’s generous donation of £21,000, Stepping Stones is set to enhance its operational capabilities significantly, ensuring those in need receive essential support with dignity.
Leanne Latta, Project Manager at Stepping Stones Community Larder, commented, “Rural communities often have hidden poverty compared to inner cities. It’s tucked away and out of sight; often, people in these communities are very proud, which is why we must ensure there is no stigma with our operating model.
“We support people right across the board. Many of our members are families – People you may think don’t need help are struggling, including working families. Even families holding down two jobs struggle to put enough food on the table. So, if they can access even a little support to ensure their children don’t go to bed hungry, that’s worth doing.”
“The first six months have been very challenging, but the donation from Castle MacLellan will transform what we can do over the next twelve months. We’re now not just thinking where we can get the next £50 to ensure we have food on the shelves, but instead, we’re looking at how we can make this a more sustainable and effective project over the long-term.”
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, Queen 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 Queen 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, an equestrian centre specialising in equine-assisted learning, benefits from an £11,000 donation. This funding will enhance their invaluable service, offering new equipment and specialised carriages to ensure all participants, regardless of ability, can experience the therapeutic benefits of equine interaction. Castle MacLellan’s support paves the way for expanded opportunities and empowerment through animal-assisted activities.
Castle MacLellan’s contributions reflect a continued commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. By supporting these charities, Castle MacLellan not only aids in their immediate goals but also invests in the long-term resilience and well-being of the local community.
For more information about the initiatives supported by Castle MacLellan and the positive impact of these donations, please visit www.castlemaclellan.co.uk.
