THE team behind a West Dunbartonshire food bank - who helped feed people over 10,000 times during the coronavirus pandemic have been named the local Citizens of the Year.

Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP), which was set up at the height of Covid-19 to ensure vulnerable residents had essential supplies, received the gong at this year’s Provost’s Civic Awards.

The annual awards ceremony is held every year to celebrate West Dunbartonshire’s top citizens who help others and more recently, who have inspired the community throughout the pandemic.

Maureen and Gordon Cummings had the idea to create OKFP after volunteering their time to pick up shopping and prescriptions for neighbours when Covid hit.

After distributing excess food donated by local shops, the pair felt a local collection and distribution food service for residents who were unable to leave their homes would be a useful addition to supplement existing provision.

On May 6, 2021, a year to the day since the couple began their work, figures revealed that the food bank issued help more than 10,000 times to those who were in need.

The couple, who work in partnerships with other local food banks, were also winners of the Community Champion Team award at the Awards.

The team follow on in the footsteps from other local food bank West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare, who picked up community awards at previous Provost’s Civic celebrations.

Maureen Cummings of Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels told the Reporter: “We all met at the waterfront and were presented with the community team awards, but then the Provost said ‘Stay where you are’ and out came the Citizens of the Year award.

“We had to lift the awards off the table ourselves, it was very fitting of the type of organisation we are.

"We exist as a result of responding to the pandemic, so it fit that the ceremony was pandemic-esque.

"It would have been a bit off to have a big glamorous ceremony in a garden for people running a food bank, it doesn’t marry well together.

“It’s been a hard year but it’s been very rewarding and we’re just going from strength to strength.

"We’ve got a great team behind us.

“It was a daft idea in the first place, trying to help people out,” Maureen continued, “but it grew arms and legs, and it wouldn’t have done so without the people around us.”

Maureen said: “The focus is now on our hub in Old Kilpatrick. It’s important that we ramp up helping people out their house again, getting them socially active and allaying their fears about getting back out into the community.

“We’ll have a community cafe where anyone from anywhere is welcome.

"There will be free refreshments and snacks, it’s all about the chit-chat.”

Provost William Hendrie added: "The selfless dedication and commitment shown by Maureen and Gordon in the face of one of the most challenging periods we have experienced in recent times is extremely inspiring.

“They reacted to a changing situation, and after volunteering set about making a more permanent resource for their community.

“In the past year, Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels has supported hundreds of our residents and has become a lifeline for many vulnerable people in our community.

“They are extremely deserving of this recognition.”

The awards also saw Clydebank’s Mollie-Rose Shields named as Youth Champion for a number of charitable acts including spreading cheer during the first lockdown by purchasing Easter eggs and delivering them to people in her community.

As news of her Easter egg project spread, businesses began donating eggs and in total she delivered 660 eggs over the period.

Mollie said: “When I was officially told I had won, I was speechless.

“It’s really nice that everything I’ve done has been recognised and it’s definitely something that I want to carry on doing in future.”

Mollie’s mum Leanne added: “I’m very proud of her and she’s done so, so well.”

Alexandria’s schoolboy singer and piper Mark Morrison was named as Arts and Culture Champion after using his talents to raise money for a huge number of worthy causes and putting on impromptu concerts at care homes to bring cheer to the most isolated residents during lockdown.

Mark said: “I was surprised when I won, but I’m very happy because it’s good to be recognised for the things I’ve done.

"It’s not why I did it but it’s still nice to know people appreciate it.

“It gives me more motivation to keep doing what I’m doing.”

Footballer Rebecca McAllister won Sports Champion for her drive and determination which has put her on a path of success, going from playing as a youngster at Mini Kickers in the Meadow Centre in Dumbarton, to now playing for Celtic FC and the Scotland U-19 women’s national squad.

Kind-hearted Julie and Davie McGowan were named as Community Champion (Individual) for providing supported lodging placements for the past 23 years, welcoming over 45 young care leavers into their home and showing them warmth, compassion and consistency as well as helping them onto a positive pathway for their future.