Foodbank among first to benefit from developers' donations

The company, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, currently donates £1500 per month to local charities in its divisions as part of the homebuilder’s pledge to improve the quality of life of those living in the areas in which it operates.

It began 2024 by donating £3000 to its new East of Scotland main charity partner, Cash for Kids. The charity aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people living locally who are affected by poverty, illness, neglect or have additional needs. The cause also works with grass-roots organisations that aim to make a difference to young lives, directly supporting families who often have nowhere else to go.

In February, a further £1500 was given to Capital Carers, which supports carers in the North West of Edinburgh.

The foodbank was the chosen charity for March. Supported by The Trussell Trust, it provides three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people in need in the Midlothian area.

Ian Purves, from Midlothian Foodbank, said: “Thank you to Barratt for their generous donation to Midlothian Foodbank. The donation will help people in our area struggling with the cost of living and support them with emergency food parcels, food vouchers for families in school holidays, or a hot meal at one of our two weekly lunches.

“They also have access to an adviser from Citizens Advice who is present during one of our lunches. All this helps to reach our aim of ensuring that no one in Midlothian goes to bed hungry.”

Alison Condie, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland managing director, said: “From foodbanks through to care, cost of living has placed a significant strain on the services that charities can provide.

"We hope that our donations can help to alleviate some of this pressure and allow causes to continue supporting families and individuals in the communities in which we build.”