GENEROUS shoppers across North Ayrshire have donated hundreds-of pounds worth of goods to the Foodbank appeal.

The North Ayrshire Foodbank held its biggest ever collection event over the weekend and volunteers attended Tesco’s stores in Irvine, Saltcoats and Kilbirnie to collect tonnes of food donations.

Craig Crosthwaite, co-ordinator for the Foodbank said the team are still collecting food in and weighing and counting the donations, but it could be their most successful drive to date.

He said: “The appeal went swimmingly. We are trying to count up all the donations at the moment but there are still some to come in so it will be through the week before we have an exact figure on how much was donated.

“What I can say is there is several tonnes of food here, in fact you can’t see a single square inch of floor, because there’s so much.

“It has definitely been one of our most successful appeals ever.” And Craig says some families could be more vulnerable than ever thanks to the changes to the benefits system.

He said: “It’s particularly important this year because of the rolling out of Universal Credit. We know that families can expect to experience weeks of delay before receiving their benefits so we are expecting to maybe be in demand more than ever.”

Foodbank chiefs are also launching a mobile cinema which will take place ever Saturday in December. The cinema, which is based in the Church of the Nazerene in Ardrossan is screening some of the best Christmas films for free.

Craig Crosthwaite, co-ordinator for the Foodbank said: “It really is easy - come along to any of our festive films night - entry is FREE - and buy a hot dog, a packet of popcorn, a hot or cold drink, crisps or chocolates. Every sale raises 10p towards our work at the Foodbank. Showings take place in the large hall of the Ardrossan Church of the Nazarene. The doors open at 5.30pm and the film starts at 6.00pm. All films are age appropriate for a family showing. If your would like more information you can visit our website at themobilecinema.comgy.”

The Foodbank is also looking to purchase its very first van to do deliveries - but needs help with fundraising.

Craig says the grant received is not sufficient to purchase a van and despite added funds, they are still short of the VAT.

If you are able to consider helping through crowdfunding please visit the appeal on: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/getting-mobile-1

There are several “rewards” or you can simply donate. If you select a “reward” it can be a private screening or joining them for a special film night for children one week and older children and adults the following.