The thieves who raided a Dundee church this week may not have known or cared that they were stealing food from the mouths of some of the city’s most deprived people.
As they ransacked Coldside Church they stole high value electrical items but also, it has emerged, food and drink destined for a new community caf.
The actions of the thieves could have crippled the project, but instead they have helped reignite the glimmering local spirit.
Residents and businesses have rallied around, with Tesco staff raising £260 for the church and restocking the kitchen with provisions and appliances.
That generosity and that of the church congregation ensured that the community caf opened its doors in triumphant fashion.
In the weeks and years to come, the Rev Tony Thornthwaite hopes it will ensure that local people in need always have somewhere they can find a meal and a friendly face.
The caf has been funded by the Church of Scotland with the support of a number of grant-giving bodies the Joseph Rank Foundation in particular.
“The community space here in the Hilltown and the wider area is very poor and so we have developed this whole building to make it available to all.
“Many groups already use this space for free but we wanted to do even more and so we have put together the community caf as a pilot project for a year.
“Initially at least it will run every Thursday, between noon and 2pm, but we are already applying for funding that we hope will enable us to run every day of the week.
“There are a lot of people here without much and the caf will offer a safe, bright and warm place to meet where there is good food available, free of charge.
“It’s being run by volunteer members of the congregation and people from the local community and it’s that combination that makes it work so well.”
Mr Thornthwaite said they would welcome donations “of whatever people can afford” from visitors, but said there was no requirement to pay anything and stressed that those with nothing would always find a meal on offer.
“If you can afford nothing then that is fine with us you will still eat well,” he said.
He admitted that Monday evening’s robbery had come as a shock but said it had also shown him the depth of spirit and togetherness present in the community.
“It has been amazing,” he said. “We have been stunned by the support from Tesco and others. People could not have been more supportive.”
He added: “Despite our shock at what happened, our prayer group has also prayed for the thieves as they need it more than most.”