Two charity groups receive cash windfall

Dec 18 2009 by Gavin McInally, Paisley Daily Express

TWO charity groups were given something to shout about when they received bumper donations.

Volunteers at Paisley’s Hush Hush Holiday Group, which provides breaks for people with mental health issues, were delighted to be handed a £500 cheque.

And members of Renfrewshire Walking Group, who help Buddies improve their health after doctors’ advice, also had a spring in their step after landing the £500 bonus.

The groups were two of 15 organisations from across the West of Scotland to scoop a windfall from Glasgow’s Buchanan Galleries shopping centre.

Josephine Coyle, voluntary organiser for the Hush Hush Holiday Group, said: “This was a welcome letter to receive from Buchanan Galleries about such a generous donation.

“This will help towards the cost of the holidays that we take our members on twice a year as we have to fundraise all year round to pay for them.

“This is often the only break that our members get and they really do look forward to it.”

William Crawford, chairman of the Renfrewshire Walking Network, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been selected as a recipient of the Buchanan Galleries Community Bursary.

“In order to keep people informed of our planned walks we have to produce literature which is costly.

“The money we’ve received from the fund will cover the cost of this so this is fantastic news.”

Each year Buchanan Galleries aims to support organisations that make a vital difference to the people in their area, helping them to pay for materials and services they might otherwise be unable to afford.

Applicants were encouraged to illustrate how their organisation benefits the local community and in what way the extra funding would aid their work.

Hamish Millar, General Manager at Buchanan Galleries, said: “All of the groups play an important role in their local communities and we are delighted to be able to provide them with funding.

“We hope it helps towards improving the service they provide.”