A partnership between Ayrshire charity Centrestage and local businesses, Buzzworks Holdings and Braehead foods produce and deliver to people in need has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.
South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle lodged a motion at Holyrood applauding the team behind the project, which has seen chefs and other staff from Buzzworks restaurants joining forces with Centrestage to increase the number of meals the charity could provide each week. Between the first of April and the end of May, this saw 26,885 cooked meals given to 4810 people across Ayrshire. Many of the ingredients used in the meals came from Braehead Foods, with other local suppliers also pitching in.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“I’ve long been a supporter of the work Centrestage does to support people across Ayrshire. With COVID-19 putting extra pressure on many third sector organisations and businesses, it’s fantastic to see this partnership emerge and do so much good.
I’m delighted Buzzworks, Braehead Foods and other local businesses have risen to the challenge to support Centrestage and people in the community.
This kind of partnership between the private sector and third sector is something we need more of in Scotland and I’m only too happy to help recognise its success.”
Full text of Brian Whittle’s motion:
That the Parliament applauds the success of a partnership between the Ayrshire charity, Centrestage Community, and the local businesses, Buzzworks Holdings and Braehead Foods, which worked together to produce and distribute 26,885 cooked meals to 4,810 people across Ayrshire between 1 April and 31 May 2020; understands that the partnership has involved chefs and front of house staff from Buzzworks, who operate several restaurants across Ayrshire, using Centrestage’s kitchen facilities in Dundonald to produce meals from food supplied by Braehead Foods and other local suppliers before delivering them across the area; considers that, were it not for the contributions of Buzzworks, Braehead Foods and other local businesses, Centrestage might not have been able to meet demand; recognises the vital contribution that businesses and third sector organisations across Scotland have played in supporting people during the COVID-19 pandemic; commends the efforts of all those involved in this partnership, and thanks them for their contribution in supporting the local community.
(Photo- Brian Whittle MSP with Centrestage founder Fiona McKenzie)
