Tranent: Donations worth £1,500 pledged towards pet food bank

Mags Gillan, 48, set up East Lothian Pet Food Bank in November last year, after fearing those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis would be unable to feed their pets during winter.

Since launching, she has received more than £1,500 worth of food donations from the public, as well as donations through a GoFundMe page.

Mags told the Courier: “To be honest, I wasn’t sure it would work when I first started it but there has been a good response.

“I’ve only got a few regular people – others just need it once or twice.

“I’ve stocked for the winter, which is when I think most people will need it when bills rocket more.”

A GoFundMe helped purchase an array of pet food

Mags works as a personal care assistant at Enable Scotland and has five pets: a dog, cat, two budgies and a gecko.

Since starting the foodbank, Mags has received many donations from groups and individual members of the community.

She said: “I get a lot of donations and people have been kind. People love animals and there are a lot of cats that are fussy; owners don’t want to waste any uneaten pouches so donate them to the foodbank.

“I did a GoFundMe and raised £600, which we used to buy food from Aldi. I’ve had lots of other donations, too, including from Johnnie’s Journey, who donated lots of food.

“I’ve still got a drop-off at The Original Factory Shop [on Haddington Road] and lots of people kindly drop in there to donate.”

Johnnie's Journey made a sizeable donation

Mags said she would continue to help people feed their pets.

She said: “I hope that I can continue to help pets in East Lothian. The support I have had has been quite amazing.

“If anyone has a wee bit to donate it would be appreciated. I have drop-off bins at The Original Factory Shop and the Premier store at Muirpark. I will come collect, too. You can contact me at gillanmargaret7@gmail.com

“Thank you to all who have donated and provided drop-off points. There are some happy furbabies and owners!”