Afternoon Tea Success
Our Afternoon Tea fundraiser last year was a great success — a wonderful day of laughter, delicious bakes, and community spirit. We plan to hold this event again later in the year.
News & media
Stories from the hub
From Christmas appeals to ribbon cuttings, events and media coverage — here's what's been happening across the Loaves and Fishes community.
From the blog
Christmas at Loaves and Fishes
Christmas at Loaves and Fishes is always a busy time — with over 2,000 registrations and over 700 big red Christmas sacks to fill for children of all ages.
We rely so much on the generosity of our supporters and sponsors to make this happen, and on our fabulous volunteers who go above and beyond. In 2025 over 860 Christmas bags were prepared to ensure families had something for the children on Christmas Day.
Partner spotlight
Why East Kilbride Rugby Club chose us
"Shortly after I became president of East Kilbride Rugby Football Club, I met Lesley Davidson and got chatting about what she did. To say I was astounded at the work her and her team were doing was an understatement.
"We chose Loaves and Fishes because the charity was providing 200 food parcels per week for families in East Kilbride; it was a non-referral, non-judgmental food bank; and I had visited their service to see 50+ volunteers working in freezing conditions.
"But the main reason was the incredible drive, commitment and vision that Lesley demonstrated. Simply put, I had never met anyone who had the presence of mind, strength of will and overflowing compassion that she does. Hats off to them from all at EKRFC!"
— Brendan McNulty, EKRFC President
Hub opening
Our Greenhills Hub launch
In June 2025, we celebrated the opening of our Loaves and Fishes Community Hub in Greenhills — a day that will stay in our hearts forever. The centre was opened by our founder Geordie Aitken's children. It was an honour to have them with us and part of this new chapter.
People were queuing to come in. The ribbon cutting was incredibly emotional — a real moment for so many of us. Our brilliant neighbours from WNWN came along too.
This wasn't meant to be a fundraiser. But somehow, we raised £2,100. Everyone left smiling, full of food and full of cake. Our volunteers left us speechless — working, helping, chatting, laughing, sharing their own L&F stories.
Together, we are a community. ❤️
A special thank you to Kraken Chippy – East Kilbride for working for free and donating all profits from the day.
Events
Bringing the community together
Events are a big part of how we raise awareness, build relationships and fund our work. Our Chair Lesley speaks at youth groups, nurseries, schools, churches, community groups and businesses — formally or informally, large or small.
School Uniform Events
We run school uniform events throughout the year, with new and used uniforms for most local schools — plus lunch boxes, water bottles, pencil cases and stationery when available. Events in March and just before school starts in summer, but items are available year-round — just ask!
Testimonials
In their own words
"I have just had our delivery from Loaves and Fishes and I'm literally speechless with tears in my eyes. We were given so much food and treats as well as gifts for myself and the kids. I can't tell you what this means to us at this time. A genuine heartfelt thank you."
"It's more than giving out food — it's giving people hope. That's why I keep coming back."
Lesley talks
A walkthrough of our Community Hub
We could tell you everything about our Community Hub — but who better to explain than Lesley Davidson herself?
Xmas at Loaves and Fishes with Lesley
Introduction to Loaves and Fishes (Feb 2026)
Lesley Talks About Donations
Lesley Talks About Fundraising
More on the Les Hoggan YouTube channel.
On the radio
Avondale Radio interviews with Lesley
We do a regular slot on Avondale Radio when Lesley and Les talk through various aspects of Loaves and Fishes — going out on the Saturday Magazine Show every Saturday morning.
You can hear them on Listen Again at avondaleradio.com — look up the Saturday Magazine Show, usually around 1hr 45mins in.
- Avon Valley Discs with Lesley Davidson
- An introduction to Loaves and Fishes
We'll be uploading recordings here shortly.
Gallery
Out and about in the community
A selection of images showing our Chair Lesley and the team out and about in the community, raising awareness and encouraging support for Loaves and Fishes.
