RGU and charity team up for food donations to ‘leave no one behind’

On Tuesday, staff and social work students from RGU will come together at the Garthdee campus to spend the day accepting non-perishable items alongside a team from the foodbank charity.

Annually, World Social Work Day celebrates the profession's contributions to the future of societies and to defending social justice and human rights. In the spirit of this day, the university is encouraging the wider community to donate essential items to help those struggling with food insecurities.

Lauren Henderson, a Lecturer in Social Work at RGU’s School of Applied Social Studies, said: “Our school has a longstanding relationship with CFINE, with many of our social work students undertaking placements at the charity. They play a critical role in tackling food poverty in North East Scotland and, as it’s consistent with social work values, strive to support those who face disadvantages.

Helping is at the core of our profession, and this year’s World Social Work Day is about leaving no one behind. We feel compelled to spend the day engaging with our local community and working collaboratively to make a positive contribution at this time of need."

CFINE CEO Fiona Rae said: “This winter is proving exceptionally difficult for many vulnerable individuals, families and communities. At CFINE, we are really concerned that the dire situation faced by those experiencing food poverty/insecurity is set to rapidly deteriorate further due to the cost-of-living crisis, massive hikes in energy bills, as well as other financial pressures.

“We anticipate a continued increase in demand for CFINE’s services, including access to emergency food and welfare/benefits advice.

“There are some food items we are currently extremely running low of, so we are asking those attending World Social Work Day to support our beneficiaries by donating some food, or indeed contributing financially to help support vulnerable people.”

The charity foodbank currently needs non-perishable items for their Community Food Outlets which provides accessible and affordable nutritional food throughout communities in the North of Scotland.

These items include tinned foods, jar foods, tea/coffee, rice/pasta, toiletries, washing up liquid and toilet roll.

RGU Staff and students will receive donations on Level 4 Reception, Ishbel Gordon Building on RGU Campus from 10 am to 3 pm.