A Leslie resident has cooked up a ‘soup-er’ way of keeping connected with elderly and isolated neighbours during the coronavirus lockdown.
For Ray Howe, a retired foundry worker , has created a soup kitchen at his home twice a week and is now delivering portions of his hearty broth to keep locals fed.
It was the challenges of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic that got Ray thinking about what they could do to help those most in need in his area.
He decided his love of cooking would best suit, with the help of his wife Christine, twice-weekly soup-making sessions for his elderly neighbours and local vulnerable families.
“With the current uncertainty and the government advising vulnerable people to stay home, I just wanted to help in any way I could,” said Ray.
“I am making soup twice a week and delivering enough for three or four bowls of soup, per household, to our elderly or vulnerable families who need it in the Leslie area.”
Ray’s culinary deliveries have proved so popular he is now receiving donations of crates of vegetables from local so he can continue making cooking and is already handing out around 50 bowls every Monday and Friday.
Ray said he has not stopped at making soup and is now also cooking up a curry for those residents who like it.
The 62-year-old, who was last year awarded the Leslie Citizen of the Year title for his community work and raising around £40,000 for the British Heart Foundation, said he intends to continue rattling his pots and pans for as long as the lockdown continues.
“It’s been well received so far and I just want to do my bit for the community while we are all going through this uncertain time so I’ll keep on cooking or as long as the social distancing and lockdown restrictions remain.”
April Davidson, BHF Scotland area fundraising manager, said that knowing how committed Ray is to his community, she wasn’t surprised to hear that his soup initiative had been so well received.
She added: “At a time when we’re all pulling together in the face of huge challenges, it’s heartening to hear such a positive story.
“We’re very proud of Ray and Christine and our other volunteers who’re stepping up to help in their communities.”
