A KIND-HEARTED taxi driver has launched a campaign to help ensure vulnerable members of the community have food on the table.

Stephan Worobec Malcolm has called on friends and people from throughout East Lothian to do what they can to support a fundraiser, which will see shopping bought and split between East Lothian Foodbank and sheltered housing.

The Tranent resident said: “It is something I have been thinking about for a couple of weeks.

“With everything that is going on, a lot of people are struggling.

“I spoke to a mate of mine and he felt the same.

“We just felt obliged to do something to help the community.”

Since then, Stephan has been joined by Rebecca Fowler and Grant Cook in launching an appeal – Shopping for the Elderly and Vulnerable – on social media, calling for residents to assist where they can.

He has already approached a number of businesses for donations while volunteers have come forward offering to make the deliveries.

Stephan told the Courier that more than £400 has been donated since the scheme was set up.

The 28-year-old said every penny would be accounted for and they were speaking to various people in a bid to find those most in need.

Stephan, who has taken time off his work with 24/7 Taxis in Musselburgh in order to be with his family, is among those to have been impacted by the coronavirus.

Government guidelines have urged people to stay home whenever possible, with a number of vulnerable people, including the elderly, now relying on family, friends and volunteers to collect shopping and vital prescriptions.

Stephan, who hopes to make the first deliveries at the beginning of next week, said: “It has been a bit strange for me.

“I have never seen anything like this before and it is a bit strange.”

Anyone looking to get involved can visit ‘Shopping for the Elderly and Vulnerable’ on Facebook.