Shoppers chip in for Erskine vets

Jun 1 2012 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

BIG-HEARTED customers at a busy shopping mall have pledged their support for the country’s veterans with an extra-special donation.

Over Christmas, shoppers at the Clyde Shopping Centre, in Clydebank, donated cash to the nativity scene and veterans’ charity Erskine was chosen to benefit.

Isabell Trainer, Clyde’s community co-ordinator, presented a cheque for £1,000 to 96-year-old Erskine veteran Alex Johnstone, and Alan Moss, Erskine’s chief fundraiser, at the Erskine home in Bishopton.

Mr Moss said: “We are delighted to receive this terrific donation from the people of Clydebank.

“Many of the brave men and women Erskine are caring for are local to the area, so this support means a lot to our veterans.

“Donations are very important to Erskine and people are helping us make a real difference to ex-service men and women in our care.”

Ms Trainer added: “The level of care and the facilities at Erskine are incredible and we were delighted to meet a veteran from Clydebank,who enjoyed reminiscing about how the Clyde centre looked before the refurbishment.”

Erskine cares for more than 1,300 veterans each year at five homes across Scotland. The charity needs £144,000 each week to provide them with a high standard of care.

To find out more, log on to www.erskine.org.uk, email fundraising@erskine.org.uk or call 0141 814 4555.