A Whole World of Wonder Awaits Youngsters

5 May 2008

Youngsters at Haugh of Urr Playgroup near Castle Douglas are celebrating the diversity of mankind, thanks to a grant from the Changing Lives Campaign.

The £200 bursary was used to buy educational books and toys celebrating different cultures and the fact everyone is different in their own way.
The campaign is run in conjunction with the Daily Record and McIntosh and seeks out ventures, community projects and charities that make a difference to the every day lives of Scottish people.
Run by parent volunteers, Haugh of Urr Playgroup was first registered in 1992 and now has 40 pre-school children on its books.
Administrator Jane Swanston, who has been involved with the group for four years, said: “We are a parent-run group and, though we work in partnership with the local council, the money we get only covers our basic costs.
Anything we can get on top of that funding is brilliant because it takes a lot of effort on our part to even seek out grants, such as those offered by the Changing Lives Campaign.
“Our area is populated predominantly by white Brits, which means a lot of our children have never met people from other cultures or countries. With that in mind we felt this was an area in which we should expand so bought in some multi-cultural dolls and books on world people. The books basically outline the fact that people come in all shapes and sizes.”
Sales Director of McIntosh Ian Clarke commented: "As makers of traditional Scottish food and as a thriving Scottish business we know all about the ambitious and tenacious nature of the Scots.
“That’s why we do everything we can to harness the support of local Scottish communities to make lives a little better for a lot of people.
“It is great to know we have helped the playgroup buy these essential books and toys, which will help the children grow and develop.”