Glasgow student hails 'eye-opening' homeless charity ahead of half marathon
A Glasgow student preparing to run a half marathon in aid of a homelessness charity has hailed the work that they do and says it has been "eye-opening".
Michael Quinn, 32, recently returned to his home in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, after teaching abroad and has seen first-hand the work his father, Jim, does to help homeless people through supporting Emmaus Glasgow.
The charity provides accommodation, support and work opportunities for people with experience or who are at risk of homelessness and social exclusion. It also provides city centre soup kitchens, which help people with a hot meal, clothing and a friendly chat.
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Jim has been volunteering at their city centre soup kitchen twice a week for two years. Now, the University of Glasgow PHD student wants to follow in his father's footsteps.
He'll be embarking on the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run on Sunday, October 6, to raise funds for the charity. Having completed a half-marathon once before, Michael has been training around Bellshill to better his time this year and, one day, hopes to run the London Marathon.
He said: "I’ve seen a lot of what my dad does, and it’s eye-opening. This is my opportunity to contribute a little bit. I wanted to do something that meant something to me and my family.
"What I like the most about the Emmaus ethos is the accepting nature of the organisation. People are not judged on their situation, appearance or circumstances. Rather, they are welcomed as they are and offered a way of improving their lives."
Jim started volunteering for Emmaus Glasgow in November 2022 after he spotted the soup kitchen while he was on the bus and wanted to help.
He said: "My favourite thing about volunteering at the soup kitchen is meeting the people we’re supporting. I’m a talker, and I love getting to know people from all walks of life.
"It’s special when one of the folks we’re helping tells me they’re getting off the street and into housing. One man recently told me this and every week he’d come, and we’d do a countdown until he got into his own place.
"The conversations I have with the people we support aren’t just ‘token’ chats, I genuinely enjoy chatting with these people and learning more about their lives."
If you would like to donate, you can visit Michael’s Go Fund Me page here.
Find out about volunteering for Emmaus Glasgow here.
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