A Glasgow group that gives warm meals, clothing and toiletries to the homeless is facing when the council's new closure low emission zone which comes into force this summer, because their van is too old.
It means that all vehicles entering the zone (LEZ) area will need to meet less-polluting emissions standards or face a penalty charge. The initial penalty charge for all non-compliant vehicles entering a Low Emission Zone in Scotland will be £60 - reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days.
All2gethernow are a non-registered charity and has been offering vital help to those who need it running since July 2017.
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Now, they face being kicked out of Cadogan St, Glasgow, where they have a soup kitchen every Monday between 6.30pm and 9.30pm.
They serve foods from soups and hot dogs to pizza and curries as well as hot and cold drinks. People are also offered clothing and toiletries.
The van the charity currently has won't be allowed to enter the new LEZ when it comes into force on June 1, which means they will have to close until they can buy another van - which is going to cost thousands of pounds.
One of the founders of the charity, Kirsty Steele told Glasgow Live: "Although this new emission scheme is a great thing for Glasgow, it’s not for us right now because we are having to try and fork out thousands of pounds to keep running which is really tough on us.
"We are small compared to other soup kitchens and the money we have goes on food every week so we are really struggling.
"As soon as June hits, we will have to close and it means people will be suffering. They won’t be getting the food and clothing that they need.
"We need a van to fit everything in, we’ve got five massive tables and all sorts including clothing and toiletries. Everything needs to fit into the van.
"If we can’t get a van we will have to close until we can get one or ask families to help with cars. We’d feel devastated for the people more than anything."
All2gethernow has seen a spike in families asking for help since the cost of living crisis struck - leaving them with little money to spend on food after paying off their bills.
During Covid-19, the charity helped by delivering parcels to people's doorsteps and now they are calling on the public's help to get a new van so that they can carry on providing Glasgow's most vulnerable.
The JustGiving page, which has so far raised nearly £500, reads: "As you all know the city centre as of June will be a low emission zone and right now the van we have will no longer be allowed to drive in the city centre so to put it bluntly we are screwed.
"We are wondering if anyone out there could help us out. We either need to raise money to buy a second hand van or estate car that is allowed to travel throughout the city centre can everyone please share this post far and wide in the hope that some kind soul can help us out we would even be willing to do a swap our van for another."
Kirsty added: "If some kind soul wants to donate a van to us that’ll be amazing.
"Even if it’s just a wee share, it means a lot. We know ourselves how hard times are so we are not expecting everyone to donate money but if you could share the post, that’s a bonus for us."
Support the fundraising appeal here.
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