Firms back Tele Bags of Goodwill Inverclyde Foodbank drive

Among those first in the queue to back our 'Bags of Goodwill' appeal in aid of the Inverclyde Foodbank was Green Oak Funeral Services.

They have pledged support alongside Inverclyde Taxis and Clyde Metals Recycling to fight poverty locally.

Director Stephanie Quinn, who owns the independent family run service with fellow director Michael Collins, says they are aware of the hardships faced by many local people.

Stephanie, who is based in Jamaica Street, said: "This is an important campaign and something that is very close to our hearts at Green Oak.

"The Inverclyde Foodbank are a charity that sadly we cannot do without.

"We serve the whole community and we know the difficulties that are often placed on families.

"We are very aware of the poverty faced around funerals and we do everything in our power to support people, in whatever way we can.

"At Green Oak we never turn any one away from a financial point of view. We try to help in whatever way we can.

"That is why we want to support this campaign. Both Michael and I support charities and good causes whenever we can. It is so important to be part of the community."

In the weeks ahead the Green Oak team will be actively collecting donations for the foodbank.

Last year the charity, based in West Stewart Street, handed out thousands of food parcels to needy people.

Joining Green Oak as sponsors are Inverclyde Taxis and Clyde Metals Recycling, who are both owned by the same company.

Both firms are key employers in the area and vital to the local economy.

At Clyde Metals Recycling, based in Upper Ingleston Greenock, director David Coombes said: "We are delighted to support the community and sponsor the Tele's foodbank campaign.

"We know that there is deprivation in Inverclyde and there are families facing difficult times. We want to show our support by sponsoring the campaign."

All our sponsors, including Whiteside Memorials, Hagan Pharmacy and James Frew, will be handed our 'Bags of Goodwill' to fill up as many as they can for the charity.

At Inverclyde Taxis, a big employer in the area, drivers Stephen Cameron and Jim Hadjiendrea were on hand to back the campaign along with boss Mr Coombes.

David, who is Inverclyde Taxi lease manager, added: "We have a massive reach across Inverclyde and beyond with 270 cars. We want to do everything we can which is why we are proud to support this campaign.

"The Inverclyde Foodbank is a worthwhile cause and we are proud to be part of this campaign."

Paper donation bags will be inserted in all copies of the Tele on Friday April 26, with information on how to get in involved in the campaign.