The true spirit of Christmas is alive in Ballynahinch thanks to one generous businessman who is making up boxes of food, free of charge, for those most in need.
Scott Glen, owner of Ciggy Vapes, has been inundated with requests for his food packages after putting the post up on his Facebook page last week writes Laura Barr.
The husband and father to two identical twin girls told Down News that he felt compelled to help those in need as he understands the financial pressures of providing for a family.
He said: “A lot of people are suffering right now through absolutely no fault of their own and I think it’s important that those of us who can, try and do our bit to help our local communities.
“Being able to provide for my family is something I take great pride in, as many fathers do.
“Unfortunately, many families have had their incomes cut through being made redundant or put on furlough and they are faced with that challenge of heating the house or putting food on the table.
“That’s the reality of the situation many people are living right now.”
During the first lockdown in March, the Scottish business owner had made up food packages at cost price which were very popular.
With Christmas just round the corner, however, Scott is now offering the same food packages free of charge and delivering them to those in need.
Scott continued: “We are coming up to Christmas now and things are financially hard for all of us with everything that has happened this year due to Covid-19.
“People are really struggling and I just want to do my bit to help anyone in the Ballynahinch area who may be in need of some basic food items to keep them going.”
The food packages include; teabags, coffee, porridge, tinned food, biscuits and dried food.
Scott who lives in Lisburn, has had many requests from local families in the Ballynahinch and Lisburn areas.
“I have been contacted by lots of families this week requesting things like baby milk and nappies and I was able to add these items along with a food package.
“I pick up the items at the cash and carry and if anyone needs anything in particular they can just send me a private message to the Ciggy Vape Facebook page.”
Scott will donate any left-over items to the local foodbank in Ballynahinch to make sure other people in need benefit from his bought items.
If you are struggling and in need of a food package you can PM Scott at his Ciggy Vapes Ballynahinch Facebook page:
