Two Dalry men have donated over £2,000 worth of products to a local foodbank after creating a charity Hallowe’en display.
With help from friend Gavin Kilday, Stephen McDowall filled his front garden with skeletons, ghouls and pumpkins in a bid to cheer up local children and raise money.
Visitors to the site donated items and cash, raising a total of £2,471 which was used to purchase food from Lidl in Dalry.
READ MORE: Dalry man’s home decorated to delight and scare for donations
Stephen said: “They were speechless at the foodbank. They couldn’t believe we brought in so much. The woman was in tears.
“It went to the one in Kilbirnie, which covers Beith and Dalry too, so the whole of the Garnock Valley will benefit from it.
“We just wanted to feed some families who need and deserve it.”
Gavin added: “I think we wiped Lidl out to be honest. It was unbelievable.
“The woman at the foodbank told us if there is another spike with the virus, they would run out of stock within about four weeks so they really need this support.”
Thanks to discounts from Lidl, there is around £200 left over from the total raised.
The extra money will go towards helping the homeless this winter, buying and distributing hats, scarves and gloves to those who need it.
Over 350 Hallowe’en bags were handed out to children, along with a further 400 bags of sweets.
Prizes were also given out to the best dressed kids as part of a costume contest.
Stephen added: “We didn’t do it for recognition – we did it to put a smile on the kids’ faces after everything that’s been going on.
“They’ve been at home and not able to see their friends. It was just a wee relief for them.”
It took Stephen and Gavin 10 days to build the display and a further eight hours to dismantle everything and put it back into storage.
Stephen thanked locals for their support and praised the area for pulling together.
He said: “I’m flabbergasted by the response. People came out in droves from all over.
“I cannot thank them enough, not only for the donations of food, but also for the amount of money they gave us.
“It was phenomenal. It just goes to show what people can accomplish when they come together.”
Gavin added: “A big thanks to Stephen’s wife Tammy, my fiancé Melissa and our kids.
“Everyone helped out and it was a massive effort from both families.”
This year was Stephen’s fourth year decorating his garden for Hallowe’en, with his employer planning to supply him with a canopy for next year so visitors can come no matter what the weather.
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