Food Train chief executive Michelle Carruthers, based in Dumfries, has been shortlisted in the Leading Light category of the Scottish Charity Awards 2020 in recognition of her relentless work, which has included ensuring thousands of older people across Scotland have not gone without essential supplies during the coronavirus crisis.
She is also a contender for the event’s prestigious People’s Choice Award.
The Food Train was founded in Dumfries 25 years ago to ensure older people do not go without critical shopping supplies, and now works across nine regions of Scotland, supporting 3200 older people – up from 1905 at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic – with the help of 1300 volunteers.
Former mental health nurse Michelle, pictured, joined the tiny charity in 2002 and has spearheaded its growth across the country.
Her nomination for the Leading Light Award stated: “Michelle never waivers in her campaign to fight for the rights of older people in Scotland. Whoever she speaks to, it’s about what more can be done, what more can we do, what more you can do.
“Michelle won’t rest until the older people of Scotland living in a community setting have a right to healthy, nutritious food, practical access to food, more social companionship and hot meals.
“Her embedded qualities of honour and integrity are evident in everything she does.”
Reacting, Michelle said: “I’m delighted and humbled to be shortlisted in these awards. This is recognition of not just my work, but the achievements of the entire team of staff and volunteers at Food Train in supporting older people to live healthy independent lives.
“I believe passionately that improving the lives of older people should be a national priority. The certainty of knowing someone you trust is going to bring your food every week makes a massive difference to the lives of older people. But the work of Food Train is about more than just shopping, it’s about social contact. We’re here to talk to those we support, to make sure they are cared for and help in any way that we can.”
Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.
And members of the public are being urged to have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award, in which Michelle is also shortlisted.
To support her, go to scvo.org.uk/vote before 5 pm on September 4.
The winners will be announced during an online ceremony on September 25.
