Barhale Scotland and BCS Group have joined forces with charity Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts to help raise some Christmas cheer for Edinburgh families.

Founded earlier this year, Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts was set up as a direct response to the Coronavirus pandemic. It takes surplus food donated by organisations such as local colleges, restaurants and supermarkets and turns it into healthy meals for those in need.

Their community volunteers then package ‘day packs’ containing breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for delivery across Edinburgh. Every meal is provided entirely free of charge.

Katie Walker, Barhale’s Business Development Manager explained that both Barhale and BCS Group had been keen to respond when they heard that the charity was facing transport difficulties.

“A few weeks back Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts posted a desperate plea on social media requesting help as both their vans were off the road – for good,” she said. “I’m so pleased that we were able to link up with our colleagues at BCS Group to help out by providing two vans through the Christmas period and into the new year. We also wanted to make sure that the Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts team were safe while completing deliveries – especially now the nights have drawn in – so we have provided hi-vis vests for the volunteers.”

Lewis McLachlan from Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts’ expressed delight at the response they received from BCS Group and the Scottish team.

“This is utterly incredible news! This will make such a difference during this time of exploding demand – our client numbers are growing by more than five percent every week. The two vans will make a big difference to our distribution especially in difficult weather conditions when we need to take our cycle deliveries off the road.”

John Lawson, Head of Sales at BCS Group said, “It is a privilege and honour to be able to team up with Barhale and to step in to support Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts with the work they’re doing. These are difficult times and we all need to play our part.”

Patrick Seymour, Regional Manager at Barhale Scotland, said that the business was proud to be able to support such a worthy charity. “Having visited Lewis and his team at the Leith Theatre, I was truly amazed at the scale of the organisation with over 500 volunteers preparing and delivering much needed food packages to over 900 people on a daily basis. The support they continue to provide to the people of Edinburgh throughout this pandemic is phenomenal. We are honoured to be able to support this cause in any way we can.”

City of Edinburgh Council’s Convener of Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work, Councillor Kate Campbell said: “It’s great to see Barhale Scotland and BCS Group, one of our engineering contractors, stepping in to help Empty Kitchen, Full Hearts, to make sure its valuable service continues helping those who need it in their local community. We work closely with our contractors to help them to make a difference for the communities they work in.”