Charlie House and Banff And Macduff Men's Shed amongst good causes to win Scotmid Funding
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Three good causes from the north of Scotland region have been awarded a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect award scheme.
The amounts awarded were decided by a member vote.
Charlie House secured £15,000, while The Montrose Playhouse Project and Banff And Macduff Men’s Shed both received a £5,000 award.
The charities were shortlisted by the community retailer to receive the lifeline financial support helping them to continue carrying out their vital work within the communities that they operate.
Each organisation delivers a range of different services, aimed at supporting and enhancing the lives of others.
Charlie House was founded in 2011 by local mum, Tracy Johnston, after she was devastated by the loss of her child.
The charity works to provide services and support to families who tackle life-limiting and life-threatening conditions on a daily basis.
The funding will be used to provide fun activities, as well as emotional and therapeutic support, that will elevate the quality of life for families in need.
Founder of Charlie House Tracy Johnstone said: “At Charlie House we work to support babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
"Scotmid’s Community Connect scheme was an opportunity to unlock crucial funding, which will enable us to extend our support to families across the north-east of Scotland.
"Huge thanks go to the Scotmid members who voted for us, allowing us to help more families in need.”
Banff And Macduff Men’s Shed provides men within the Banff and Macduff community a space to create, connect and converse.
The Shed’s goal is to prevent men from feeling isolated, helping to improve their mental health through mending, making and skill sharing.
To achieve their mission, Banff And Macduff Men’s Shed engages their members in community improvement projects, such as shed construction.
Chairperson of Banff And Macduff Men’s Shed Bob Copland said: “We are thrilled to receive this award.
"At Men’s Shed, we aim to provide members of the Banff and Macduff community with a space that is open and welcoming.
"We are in the process of turning a former school into a community hub, so this award will be put towards renovation costs, so that we can build a welcoming space for community groups.”
The Montrose Playhouse Project is a community-owned cinema and art centre, which hopes to enable the Montrose community to see, experience, learn and create in a safe and welcoming environment.
The project began in 2013 when architectural designer, David Paton, designed new plans for a cinema in place of the towns old swimming pool.
Over nine years later, the project has grown and with the help of several volunteers, The Montrose Playhouse offers a range of activities and social programmes for the Montrose community.
Social development officer for The Montrose Playhouse Project Caroline Farquhar said: “Everyone at The Montrose Playhouse is very grateful to receive this generous award for our social programmes, which help the Montrose community.
"Scotmid’s funding will go towards food projects - help the local community reduce food waste, save money and make the Playhouse even more accessible for all.”
Since Scotmid’s Community Connect launched in 2017, almost £600,000 has been awarded to 66 good cause groups across the north of England and Scotland, enabling key projects to continue operating in their local areas.
Chairperson of Scotmid’s north regional committee Sheila Downie said: “We’re proud to support local charities and good cause groups and provide dedicated funding to support their goals.
"We’re grateful for our chosen three charities and good causes’ continued efforts to provide a vital lifeline to those in need within local communities.”
