THE CARING and sharing work of a charity in Upper Nithsdale has been acknowledged at one of the world’s most famous addresses.
Chris Simm, of Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Development Trust (KKDT), was invited recently to a Charity Champions reception at 10 Downing Street.
She is co-ordinator of Goodshare/Foodshare, which provides meals, including a delivery service, and a range of other support, widely appreciated across the community.
During the cold winter months as energy prices increased, the charity also provided a ‘warm space’ at their base in Nith Buildings at Kelloholm.
Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell nominated KKDT to represent good causes in his constituency and was delighted when the application was short-listed and an invitation issued.
Mr Mundell explained that with places limited he was pleased Chris was able to enjoy a day at Westminster including a tour of the UK Parliament and the evening reception at the Prime Minister’s official residence.
He said: “There are many excellent charities and voluntary organisations across the constituency which are worthy of being charity champions and I’m glad they were able to be represented through such a go-ahead and successful community group as KKTD.
“Both myself and my son Oliver, as constituency MSP, greatly appreciate the good work Chris and the Goodshare/Foodshare team did during the pandemic period, and continue to do so, in what is one of the more remote parts of our constituencies.
“Chris proved an excellent ambassador for the Third Sector across our area and I know the effort she puts in to keep everything running smoothly is greatly appreciated by the service users.”
Oliver Mundell said: “I was pleased the UK Government took the opportunity to acknowledge the tireless work done by Chris and so many other individuals from across the country who contribute so much to their communities.
“This has been particularly important in recent years with the impact of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and resulting cost-of-living challenges.
“I’m sure all the charity champions will have enjoyed meeting colleagues from around the UK at Westminster and visiting such an iconic address as Number 10.”
