Fife College lecturer Lorraine Wilkinson has been going above and beyond to help her community during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lorraine, a community lecturer delivering on the Step Up programme in Leven and Springboard course in Templehall Community Centre, has been volunteering with the Kirkcaldy Foodbank during lockdown from the town’s Linton Lane Centre where she is chair of the board.
To help out, Lorraine started making soup and baking scones at the weekend for clients of the centre and their families. Meals have then been distributed from the centre along with meals made by Greener Kirkcaldy.
On an average day the Linton Lane Centre supports up to 34 families with Lorraine and other volunteers lending a listening ear to those who are struggling mentally and physically during these challenging times.
Another recent project has seen the centre support 90 children and their families from a local primary school. Packs, which included frozen meals of soup and macaroni along with tins, fresh food, activities and toys, were distributed within the community last weekend.
On top of cooking, baking and lending a friendly ear, Lorraine has also been knitting rainbows which are being sold to raise funds for the centre.
Lorraine said: “With the lockdown the centre had to close to all groups which has stopped all income for running costs and overheads and all staff were furloughed, except for the manager, Mandy Henderson. However, we decided that the Foodbank was still an integral part of the community and even more necessary in these uncertain times."
Lorraine, who is usually based at the College’s Glenrothes Campus, added: “The stories of people who have been furloughed, lost their jobs or who are now struggling as they need to wait to apply for funding really do make you sad. However, it is amazing how upbeat everyone is and listening to their stories makes you feel really humble. I’m just happy to help in any way I can.”
Bryan McCabe-Bell, Director of Faculty for Business, Enterprise and Tourism with Supported Programmes at Fife College, said: “The faculty is really proud of Lorraine and the positive impact she is making in her community during these difficult times.
“Lorraine is one of a number of College colleagues who are volunteering in their communities to support those most in need just now. We are truly grateful to everyone involved in these efforts – they are a credit to themselves and the College.”
The Linton Lane Centre is a community owned centre in the Templehall area of the town which supports a large number of local services and groups. With all other activity at the centre closed, the group recently started a crowdfunding appeal to ensure they have funds to carry them through the ongoing lockdown.
For more information about the work of the Linton Lane Centre, and to donate to the group’s crowdfunding page visit, the Linton Lane Centre website.
