Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody has donated £10,000 to a charity in west Belfast after one of its toughest mornings following the week of race‑hate riots in the city.
Foodstock founder Paul Doherty thanked the Bangor musician and everyone at The Lightbody Foundation for supporting the charity’s work across Belfast.
Foodstock began as a grassroots response to food poverty and has grown into a broad community support network offering food, education, employment help, school uniforms, health and wellbeing programmes, and practical assistance for individuals and families.
Independent cllr for west Belfast Paul Doherty told The Irish News the call could not have come at a better time.
He said: “It lifted the morale of a lot of volunteers. To be honest, he rang when it was absolutely manic in here, it was a really tough Monday morning, so it was great.
“With everything that was happening last week, we were getting ready to roll out 4,000 breakfasts to the community. We were really in the thick of it when we got the call.”
Paul Doherty from Foodstock in West Belfast.
PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
He continued: “This has been one of the toughest weeks we have experienced at Foodstock for some time, but this news has given our entire team a massive lift.
“In the last week especially, our volunteers have been getting directly into communities to support people who were fearful of leaving their homes because of racial violence, as well as families who had been displaced and urgently needed food, reassurance and practical help.
“They stepped forward at an incredibly difficult time, delivering food, checking on vulnerable people and making sure those affected knew they were not alone.
“Demand for support remains extremely high, and our volunteers and staff are working every day to ensure that people facing hardship are not left behind.”
He added: “Gary has never forgotten where he comes from, and this generosity demonstrates a genuine commitment to giving back and supporting communities across Belfast.”