Call for volunteers to help at Thurso's Sharing Shed food project
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New volunteers are being sought to help manage a project in Thurso that seeks to reduce waste by sharing food.
The Sharing Shed has proved to be one of the most successful projects led by Thurso Community Development Trust (TCDT). It was created to help minimise waste by repurposing food that would often be thrown away or would not be bought.
Located outside the Mill Theatre and Thurso Youth Club, the shed is unmanned but is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 3pm, to all who may need it. TCDT sees it as a community asset that all of Thurso can use.
The Sharing Shed has partnered with various supermarkets and with organisations such as Community Food Initiatives North East to accept food donations, reducing surplus produce that may be thrown away and distributing it to those who need it most.
The trust has cultivated a group of dedicated volunteers who help in opening and closing the shed at the start and end of the day, as well as being available for restocking.
Over Christmas and New Year, the shed continued to operate for those who may have been worried about the cost of food over the festive period.
TCDT has secured late-night pick-ups for donations from supermarkets in the town, ensuring the shed can be stocked for the morning.
Chairperson Helen Allan said: “We’re delighted to work with our local shops and charities that want to support us and the Sharing Shed.”
The trust is keen to hear from volunteers who would be interested in managing the shed, particularly those who can drive, as there are two late-night slots to pick up food donations to be covered – at 9.30pm on Saturdays and Mondays. Assistance from volunteers would also be required for opening and closing times.
TCDT's senior climate development officer Sharon Dismore said: “We’d love to get volunteers from among those who use the Sharing Shed themselves, if they’re able to help out and spread that feelgood factor in the community. But anyone is welcome to volunteer for the shed – we’d be delighted to welcome any and all.”
Volunteers will earn their Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate while volunteering with the Sharing Shed.
Anyone interested in volunteering can email TCDT at info@thursocdt.co.uk or call 01847 867310.
