Meet the sponsors behind Glasgow Times' Bank on Us campaign

We reported yesterday that the aim of Bank on Us 2022 is to make sure food banks are fully stocked up this festive season. We will also be organising a toy drive so every child wakes up with a present on Christmas morning. (To donate, click here.)

Each copy of the Glasgow Times on Wednesday, November 30, will contain a paper bag. We are appealing to our readers to fill these up with food items and take them to a partner food bank – which are listed here.

READ MORE: Glasgow Times launches Christmas campaign to help struggling families

Our bid to support families across the city and beyond would be entirely impossible without the help of our kind-hearted readers and our wonderful sponsors.

This year’s appeal is being sponsored by three organisations that have pledged to do all they can to support our cause.

They are StepChange, Storage Vault, and Arnold Clark.

StepChange, a debt advice service, who helped nearly 25,000 people become debt-free last year, is sponsoring the campaign for the first time.

Sharon Bell, head of Scotland at the charity, said: “One of the reasons for partnering is because of the cost-of-living crisis and the impact that is having on many families. I think that resonates with the Bank on Us campaign.

“As a charity ourselves, we’re always looking to try and support other activities as well as supporting our clients and potential clients.

“We provide free and confidential debt advice to people and we’re seeing more people coming to us who are struggling financially.

“The cost-of-living crisis, the impact of inflation, the higher fuel bills, the higher food bills – they’re all having a huge impact on families, and we wanted to be part of the Bank on Us campaign because we felt that it also helps the families who come to us.”

Around 70 members of staff within the Glasgow office will be taking part in a toy collection as part of the sponsorship.

The dedicated employees are also doing their own food bank collection to help families across the city this Christmas.

Meanwhile, Storage Vault, which is part of the CoVault family, is our longest-running sponsor, having worked with the Glasgow Times since the launch of our Bank on Us food bank plea in 2019.

The company, which provides storage facilities across the country, has graciously acted as our very own Santa Claus, by delivering food parcels and toys to charities, schools, and nurseries throughout previous appeals.

This year, Storage Vault will be providing storage spaces as a drop-off hub for toy and food donations, as well as logistics for the transportation of those donations to charities across the city.

Anthony McAteer, director of Storage Vault, said: “We are delighted to be taking part in Bank on Us 2022.

“Participating in initiatives which promote and uplift our community is a big part of our identity – especially in Glasgow, where Storage Vault was originally founded.

“Having our roots in the Paisley area, the Bank on Us programme is one that we are proud to lend a hand in each winter.”

Our final sponsor Arnold Clark is also proud to be supporting the campaign, showing its dedication to giving back to the local community.

Eddie Hawthorne, Arnold Clark chief executive and group managing director, said: "At Arnold Clark, we always look for different ways that we can give back to our communities. Christmas is a season of celebration for most but for others, it’s a time when they need more support than ever. 

"Bank On Us offers hope to many and is an opportunity to give something back. We’re delighted to offer our support to this cause and help make a difference to those that need it." 

To get involved, click here for more information.