Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser is encouraging residents to keep donating food to the Perth and Kinross Foodbank and to look out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours as the brutal impact of the Coronavirus hits home.
The politician, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, would also like people to consider getting involved in a “community spirit” and look out for one another, which he feels has been shown by the ‘caremongering’ idea which has turned into a movement in Canada.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “It’s important that residents keep donating food to the Perth and Kinross Foodbank. They are a real help to so many people and I can’t speak highly enough of them.
“With the outbreak of the Coronavirus and its daily coverage in the news, it is important to remember that many members of our society depend on the Perth and Kinross Foodbank so we should keep donating food to them.
“It’s also important for us to keep a look out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours during this difficult time. Residents aged over 70 have been asked to have very limited social contact due to the impact of the Coronavirus, so it’s very important to keep an eye out for any neighbours you have that are in the vulnerable group.
“There may be some residents aged over 70 who may find themselves stuck in their home and who could do with help getting food. It’s vital that people check on them, particularly if they live in a rural area.”
He added: “We need the community spirit shown by the ‘caremongering’ scheme being rolled out in Canada. I understand that more than 35 Facebook groups have been set up in just 72 hours to serve communities in Ottawa, Halifax and Annapolis County in Nova Scotia, with more than 30,000 members between them.
“This is the kind of spirt and kindness that will help many vulnerable people in Perth and Kinross. Many of our elderly and vulnerable residents could start feeling isolated if they live alone, with little or no contact due to the restrictions suggested to help try to stem the spread of the Coronavirus, so it is important to look out for them.”