A community soup kitchen that was at risk of being cut off by Glasgow's low emission zone (LEZ) has thanked Daily Record readers for helping to raise enough cash for a new eco-friendly van.
All2gethernow was told it could not be exempted from the new clean air zone that comes into effect next month for its weekly hand-outs in the city centre. Faced with being unable to help those in need, it launched a crowdfunder with a modest goal of £3,500 to buy a newer van that meets the regulations.
With the help of around 100 people, including two anonymous donors who made four-figure contributions, the volunteer effort has raised £12,000. The sum was enough for a newer, bigger Renault van with a roof rack that the soup kitchen will help it deliver even more aid to those in need.
Co-founder Kirsty Steele told the Record: "It's a weight that has been lifted – these last few weeks have been an absolute nightmare. I couldn't be happier, and to have done it within the time limit [of the LEZ coming in].
"I haven't washed my hair for two weeks because of the stress. The first thing I did when we bought the van was that I went home and washed it – life can begin again."
She added: "It's a bigger van so we're able to take more in each week, which is phenomenal. We've got a roof rack on it which I'm buzzing about – we can put the tables we serve food from on there.
"We can do more with this van, take more in and transport more when we're doing pick-ups and drop-offs. I'm so chuffed that we've managed to get it."
All2gethernow has been operating for around six years collecting clothing and food donations from communities. It then donates these to the homeless and vulnerable during its weekly visits to Cadogan Street, where it also serves up hot food and drinks.
Kirsty has singled out the Daily Record and its readers for praise after we highlighted the charitable effort's plight last month. Blue badge holders can apply for an exemption to the car ban, which restricts most petrol cars made before 2006 and diesel vehicles made before 2015 from entering the city centre.
But Glasgow City Council said it could not grant the group's ageing Citroen van an exemption to enter the LEZ, which is bordered by the M8 motorway, High Street and Clyde Street. Pollutants emitted by vehicles, the authority said, presented a "serious risk to public health".
She continued: "Hand on heart, I didn't think we would have raised £5,000, never mind £12,000. We're such a small soup kitchen and we have great followers but it wasn't until the Daily Record ran the story that everybody started messaging us.
"I don't think we could have done it if it wasn't for the Record."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.
