Bonnybridge takeaway Indian Cottage donates free curries to ROOTS Helping Hands Food Share

Bonnybridge-based ROOTS Helping Hands Food Share was approached by the village’s Indian Cottage which offered to dish up 50 curries free of charge for those in need amid the coronavirus lockdown.

ROOTS grew into a food bank after originally forming in 2018 as a group for parents of children with additional support needs.

Its volunteers have distributed hundreds of food parcels to families facing difficulties in making ends meet throughout the pandemic.

The charitable gesture from Indian Cottage, made by owner Ammar Ali, has proved timely, given the number of people ROOTS feeds.

Jennifer Cochrane, ROOTS founder, said: “The Indian Cottage used to help us with the wee larder we had.

“The owner said he was willing to provide 50 curries for people as a treat because we provide for people who are in need.

“We’d like to say a massive thank you to Indian Cottage. Lockdown has been really tough. We’ve linked in with schools, social work and the council to get to people in need.

“I think people are feeling the pinch just now because money is reduced and bills are higher. Schools are off and you have more mouths to feed.

“We got a nice bundle from Asda for Volunteer Week. It’s nice to be recognised but that’s not what we do it for.”

Arlene Graham, chairwoman, added: “We are blown away with the offer as not everyone can afford luxuries such as a takeaway in these tough times, so this will be a lovely morale boost for our families.

“The curries will go to people we identify because they can’t afford a treat themselves.

“So many people from the community are donating things as well. One of our helpers, because they can’t go on holiday, gave us a big donation.

“It’s brilliant we’re getting support but just as quickly as it comes in, it goes out because there’s an increase in demand.”

Supported by CVS Falkirk and Falkirk Council, ROOTS also works with other food banks such as Denny Baptist Church, Denny Community Group, Camelon Hub and the Archibald Russell Centre.

In some cases, individuals are referred to ROOTS by the local authority after contacting its helpline on 0808 100 3161.

The group’s volunteers can also be contacted directly via Jennifer on 07808 054211 or their Facebook page.

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