Hundreds of Scottish Lives Changed for the Better
23 June 2008
Scottish communities received a huge financial boost thanks to the Changing Lives Campaign 2008.
Run in conjunction with the Daily Record and McIntosh Foods, the campaign supports community projects, ventures and charities that make a difference to the every day lives of Scottish people.And 3,600 people across Scotland – from the Orkney Isles, Aberdeenshire, Angus and Fife to Edinburgh and the Lothians, Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire and Argyll – have benefited.
A total of 218 applications were received, making the selection process extremely tough for judges.
In the end, 34 bursaries were awarded and, although the changes may seem small, to recipients they make a world of difference.
Dundee’s devoted young carers are set for a summer to remember after the Young Carer’s Project, based in Ward Road, was awarded £500. The cash will help pay for a summer programme packed with exciting trips and activities over the course of six weeks.
St Roch’s Secondary in Glasgow was also given £500 to pay for hip hop and breakdancing lessons for pupils and buy new basketball strips for the school teams.
Talented performers from Torry Academy in Aberdeen are set for stage stardom after securing a place in the final of the Global Rock Challenge. The school was awarded £300 to help pay for 42 pupils to attend the final in Grimsby later this month.
Autistic youngsters in East Lothian are preparing to go interactive after being given cash to buy new toys and games. A Nintendo WII is on the cards for members of the Haddington-based TASK after it secured £300 from the Campaign.
A fledgling group for mothers and toddlers in Meikle Wartle, near Inverurie, has also been given a helping hand. Meikle Wartle Under Fives was given £600 by the Changing Lives Campaign, which will be used to buy tables and chairs for the 14 tots who now attend regularly with their parents.
Other bursary recipients include Haugh of Urr Playgroup near Castle Douglas, Young Carers Project in Dundee, Islay Junior Rugby Club, Westercommon Kids Club in Glasgow, Cumnock Osteoporosis Support, Galloway Eco-Health Project and Home-Start Angus.
Sales Director of McIntosh Ian Clarke commented: "This is the second year we have teamed up with the Record for the campaign and it never fails to amaze me just how much work and effort goes into various projects throughout the country.
“Every applicant deserved the money, which is why the selection process was by no means easy. However, we were delighted to be able to help make a difference to some 34 Scottish groups and individuals by awarding bursaries.
“Through the campaign we are fortunate to see, at first hand, the hard work and dedication Scots put into projects close to their hearts. Every day hundreds of groups and individuals face untold challenges, whether it’s rallying community support or sourcing and securing finance, but they simply get on with things. These people are truly an inspiration and we look forward to hearing more success stories from every corner of Scotland in time.”
