Red Rock Renewables and its Edinburgh-based team are continuing to support the Cash for Kids “Holiday Hunger” campaign, this time by volunteering directly with two of its frontline youth partner projects delivering vital support during the summer holidays.
Red Rock team members spent time with Pilton Youth & Children’s Project (PYCP) and Low Income Families Together (LIFT) in Muirhouse – two grassroots organisations at the heart of the community working tirelessly to provide a safe space and foster positive experiences for local children. They also play a crucial role during summer holidays by providing meals, as well as fun experiences, for those who depend on free school meals.
During the school term, approximately 2.5 million children in the UK depend on free school meals, with many also benefiting from breakfast and after-school clubs that offer consistent access to food and supervision. However, when these services pause during the holidays, families already facing financial pressure can find it difficult to provide enough food, leaving young people at risk of going hungry.
Red Rock volunteers got an insight into the charities’ operations before helping to assemble food packs and distribute them directly to young people. Volunteers described the experience as both eye-opening and deeply rewarding.
“At Red Rock, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving our time where it matters most,” said Xiaomeng Chen, CEO of Red Rock Renewables. “We are proud to stand alongside these incredible organisations and support the vital work they do to make sure no child goes hungry.”
On Cash for Kids’ Day in May, Red Rock Renewables made a £10,000 donation to support the Holiday Hunger campaign. This funding has provided 840 children with a hot meal and a day’s experience throughout the Summer.
Pilton Youth & Children’s Project Business Manager Debbie McMillan said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome the team from Red Rock Renewables to our project to share the work we do at PYCP. Your visit gave us the opportunity to show how every penny we receive through Cash for Kids is directly invested into supporting children and young people living in areas of multiple deprivation in Edinburgh.
“Thanks to your generosity and that of other companies and individuals we’re able to run vital clubs and groups and provide picnic lunches during the school holidays. Quite simply, without your support, none of this would be possible.
“In these challenging times of rising costs, your donations are not just appreciated, they are essential. They help families who need it most to survive and give young people the chance to thrive. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.”
Founder of LIFT Edinburgh, Pauline Bowie added: ““Thank you so much to Red Rock Renewables for taking the time to pop out to LIFT@MMC to help with packed lunches and set up for the Tea Party. The kids all had such a great time! Thank you to Cash for Kids for always supporting LIFT@MMC we could not deliver many off the activities we do without your help. Thank you from all the Team, parents and kids.”
For more information on Cash for Kids and how you can support local children, visit www.forth1.com/charity