North children to receive free packed lunches and activity bags thanks to WildLand Ltd
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Nursery and primary children in the Tongue, Bettyhill and Melvich catchment areas are to be offered twice-weekly deliveries of packed lunches for the next ten weeks, as part of an initiative to provide community support during the coronavirus pandemic.
Powered by volunteers and organised by a local catering business, the scheme aims to deliver packed lunches for up to 90 children over the next ten weeks. The lunches will be delivered within an activity bag adorned with puzzles, activities and crafts complete with a little crayon pack. The first week will also contain a toothpaste and a toothbrush for all provided by NHS Child Smile.
The project is fully funded by a grant from the local Tongue company WildLand Limited. The scheme has also been assisted by Thurso Co-Op.
The project organiser, Joanna Mackenzie, stressed that this is something devised for the attention of children to save time for parents and gaurdians.
Mrs Mackenzie said: “All our lives have changed dramatically in the past few months. For some families, this can present a real disruption to routines that form the foundation of everyday life.
“I run a café and cleaning business in north Sutherland, both of which have suffered drastically due to this crisis. Having furloughed a huge portion of the workforce I saw an opportunity to put our resources and know-how to good use for the community.
“Through this project, and with the help of our fantastic band of volunteers, we aim to deliver twice-weekly packed lunches and activity sets to 90 local children who would otherwise be receiving meals at school.
“We are offering this service completely free of charge, thanks to a grant provided by Wildland Limited. Our local volunteers are primed for the delivery routes covering an expanse of some 512sq miles reaching all children, whom we dearly hope to identify by way of community networking. Inclusion for every child is at the forefront of this initiative, there is no barrier to receiving your activity pack just like your friends.
“We are excited to start our first deliveries on June 2 and playing our part in a much wider community response to these uncertain circumstances.”
Wildland CEO Tim Kirkwood added: “What has struck me over the course of the coronavirus crisis is the capacity for communities to come together and help one another. I want to pay tribute to all those who are helping to make a difference for their neighbours in Sutherland. We are humbled by people like Joanna and her band of volunteers, who are giving up significant portions of their time and resources to make a difference locally.
“We very much hope that as many as possible take up this well-meant and willingly given support for children during this challenging time. Wildland is pleased to help make this possible.”
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