Sponsored Editorial: OKFP
Local charity Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP) is putting into practice the saying ʻtwo heads are better than oneʼ as they continue to build their collaboration with PALS ASN Community group.
Scott Brown, chairman of PALS, recently took over as the new Chair of OKFP and has exciting plans about how both charities can work in harmony to bring greater inclusion and enhanced community engagement to the Napier Hall.
He explained: “OKFP with its ʻTaste not Wasteʼ and food pantry activities will continue to operate much as they have been doing over recent months.
“The existing café, operated by the OKFP CIC, will also continue its operations within the Napier Hall.
“In addition, the PALS charity has created a unique space within the Kilpatrick Suite of the Hall and will operate a Coffee Club Café on the days when the ʻChatty Caféʼ of the CIC does not operate.”
The organisations will work alongside each other to increase the opportunities to create an accessible, inclusive space for all, reflective of Old Kilpatrick as the welcoming community it has always been.
Scott added: “This is about the charities and CIC working together under the one roof to make the area a better space for everyone.”
He paid tribute to the hard work Maureen Cummings, founder of OKFP, has done to establish and grow the charity and in taking on the challenge of the Napier Hall when it faced closure.
He said: “The goal is to build on the legacy that Maureen and her team have delivered so far. The real-life impact of this legacy is that on average OKFP provides food support for 100 – 150 people a week (including children and pets) and saves 300 – 400kg of food from going to waste each week.
“The impact this makes on peopleʼs lives canʼt be overstated. This is down to the years of hard work and devotion Maureen has committed to the charity and her legacy will live long in the families and community of old Kilpatrick.”
In terms of PALS ASN Scott advised that the charity has just received a grant from the UK governmentʼs ʻPride in Placesʼ fund which will allow the group to put in a ʻChanging Placesʼ toilet and create an outside space with wheelchair accessible equipment and a space for all families to share.
He views this as the ʻstart of good things to come.ʼ
For Scott, being involved in the development of Napier Hall has a very personal dimension.
He explained: “It feels like things have come full circle – my grandparents were members of the early Community Council who were handed the keys to the hall in the 1950s.
"This hall is integral to my family! My mum and dad met at a dance in the hall and my children attended pantomimes, parties and events at the hall – it has meant a lot to my family over the years.”
Moving forward, the OKFP Taste Not Waste and Pantry operation will continue to operate Tues – Thursday from 11am-1pm.
The Chatty Café will also continue to operate on a Tues – Fri from 11am – 2.30pm.
On Mondays the PALS Coffee Club will operate for parents, carers and families of children with additional support needs.
In closing Scott advised: “I believe by us all working together we can leave a real legacy for children like my son Oliver and build a place where they can go now and, in the future – nothing will be a barrier.”
The charity is keen to recruit new volunteers to help support OKFP as it continues to develop and grow.
Anyone interested in volunteering can drop in or contact Scott atScott@okfp. org.uk