With demand for the charity’s services increasing by 600% in 2022 from the previous year, support has never been more pressing to ensure the most vulnerable people in Aberdeen’s communities are cared for.

Running until 21 November, community groups, schools, businesses, and the public are being encouraged to host collection points where food, toiletries and other essentials can be donated and then shared with families and individuals turning to the charity for help.

Donna Hutchison, head of corporate and business services at Aberdeen Cyrenians, said: “We are pleased to launch our annual Harvest campaign which is always a celebration of community giving and sharing. Last year, communities created 82 collections across Aberdeen City and Shire, donating over 8,000 meals for people in need.

“The cost-of-living crisis and escalating food and energy costs continue to place significant burden on people, which means more people are turning to us desperate for support. Many have never needed this help before and don’t know where to turn.

“We are seeing devastating numbers of people facing food insecurity. Our stock has been depleting for a long time with demand being so high and as the colder months loom, many people will be worried about how they will feed their family and heat their homes. Sadly, many won’t be able to do either.

“We are asking our compassionate and dedicated people in our community to help us meet the ongoing demand. More and more people are spiralling into poverty, and lack of food has a knock-on effect on people’s mental and physical wellbeing. It’s a heartbreaking reality that a significant number of people in our community are dealing with profound isolation, bitter cold and gnawing hunger.

“The recent Challenge Poverty Week has highlighted the ongoing crisis of poverty across the country. This is a vitally important appeal for Aberdeen’s communities, and every year it becomes even more critical. So, we’re asking directly, please help where you can.”

There are different ways to get involved in the Harvest Appeal, either as an individual, business or community group. These include creating a donation point, gifting items directly to the charity, spreading the word, or volunteering to help sort and distribute donations at Aberdeen Cyrenians’ warehouse, or as a driver. There are resources available on the Aberdeen Cyrenians website for more information on how to participate.