Foodbank support is chance for refugees to thank Barrhead community

The grateful refugees embraced the spirit of Christmas by handing over hundreds of pounds to help others who struggle to put food on the table.

There are currently nine Syrian families living in Barrhead, the first having arrived in 2017.

Since then, they have been involved in numerous local activities, including volunteering in Barrhead and beyond, organising events and setting up groups.

One family member, Eyad, told the Barrhead News: “It’s tradition for us to give some money to our children each week, which they then give to charity, so the money is really a gift from the children.”

READ MORE: Barrhead a world away from nightmare of war-torn Syria

Fellow refugees Dolovan and Dilibar Omar added: “When we give to charity, we don’t usually take a photograph.

“We love Barrhead and want to pass on the kindness that has been shown to us.”

The donation was handed over at The Market Place – a community space in Kelburn Street that is used by local groups.

It will now be put to good use by East Renfrewshire Foodbank, based at St Andrew’s Church, in Barrhead.

Margaret-Mary Donnelly, who volunteers at the foodbank, said: “People are only one pay cheque away from crisis and we are a safety net.

Nadir Bani Almarja hands donations to foodbank volunteer Margaret Mary Donnelly

“We’re very grateful to the Syrian families for their donation.”

Millions of Syrians have ended up displaced as a result of the country’s civil war.

Many fled to neighbouring countries such as Turkey.

The UK has played its part by taking in thousands of refugees whose lives would otherwise have been at risk.

In 2015, the UK Government agreed to resettle 20,000 people, with Scotland taking at least 10 per cent of that total.

Local authorities north of the border met their target three years early.

To find out more about the foodbank and how you can help others in need, visit www.trusselltrust.org.