Fife group which helps vulnerable people becomes a charity

Leslie Community Pantry received notification two weeks ago from Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) that it has met the requirements.

The pantry, which was founded in April, initially provided food from a table at the town’s Station Hotel’s beer garden with donations from the communit.

It then moved to a permanent location at the sports pavilion at Quarry Park, and has helped thousands of people since forming.

Gayle Wilson, founder said: “Applying to become a registered charity can be quite a long process.

"We applied in August so I was really surprised when OSCR got in touch to tell us that we were successful.

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"I’m really lucky that I have such a great team behind me and a excellent board that has over 70 years experience in the charity sector. We all have the same vision of what direction we want to take the pantry in.

Gayle and her team have been busy over the festive period providing food, meals, toys, gifts and supplies to people in the community.

"We provided over 160 Christmas meals and 82 gifts and toys to kids,” she adds. “All of the meat in our food boxes were provided by the Buffalo Farm, and we also put items in like crackers and tin foil.

"Now that we have charity status we have several plans on how to take this forward, but we are taking it slow until things get back to normal.

"We are not going anywhere - we have identified a need for a community pantry. We’ll be here until we’re not needed.”

For more information please visit: Leslie Community Pantry, or email: info@lesliecommunitypantry

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