It’s one of the most inspiring stories of the whole independence campaign and has resulted in over four thousand pounds being raised by Yes supporters for a Glasgow Foodbank.
The brainchild of Yes Cyclist Mark Coburn, an appeal initially set up to pay for offices for some local Yes groups soon surpassed its total.
It’s one of the most inspiring stories of the whole independence campaign and has resulted in over four thousand pounds being raised by Yes supporters for a Glasgow Foodbank.
The brainchild of Yes Cyclist Mark Coburn, an appeal initially set up to pay for offices for some local Yes groups soon surpassed its total.
Mark had pledged that any excess would go to a Foodbank in Glasgow. Yes supporters continued to donate and the Foodbank in Maryhill will soon be receiving over £4000.
Maryhill Foodbank was set up by local volunteers Julie Webster and Jim Hamilton after they heard the story of a local pensioner who had been arrested for shoplifting in order to obtain food.
The Foodbank is a lifeline for people whose benefits have been cut or suspended.
In the mini-documentary below, Julie talks of her anger at a system that forces people to go hungry and of a phone call from a Yes campaigner who was moved by a story of a hungry family forced to seek help from the Foodbank.
It’s a story replicated in many towns and cities throughout Scotland. Articulate and appreciative of the plight of the poor, Julie Webster speaks on behalf of those who either cannot speak for themselves or are too ashamed to admit to needing Foodbanks.
The appeal runs until midnight tonight [Saturday] … donations can be made here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/500-miles-in-5-days
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q72Dj8fN4UI{/youtube}
Below is an interview Newsnet Scotland filmed before his fundraising effort, where Mark explained the motivation behind his 500 mile cycle appeal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yijTDsiOeYM{/youtube}