Foundation’s appeal passes halfway stage

The fundraising campaign by the Moira Anderson Foundation to reconfigure and expand its premises is progressing at pace – with the total now standing at £36,000.

Donations have been rolling in since the Airdrie charity launched its 20/ 20 campaign in June, aiming to raise £50,000 to improve their existing Mavisbank Street home ahead of the charity’s 20th anniversary next year.

Now Foundation representatives are hopeful of hitting the target by the end of the year to allow them to expand their work with survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Charity director Gillian Urquhart told the Advertiser: “We’re delighted with the amazing total so far and we really appreciate all the generous support.

“We’re getting close to that first target and would ask people to consider the Foundation when they’re donating; we’ve had a lot through our Facebook button and every donation and fundraiser really matters – every penny helps.”

The charity’s 20/20 fundraising effort got off to an excellent start when the charity received an anonymous donation, and Gillian added: “It certainly made a difference and gave us all a real boost early on, and when people see that impact, it gives a bit of drive and push to continue supporting it.

Gillian said: “There’s still a way to go, but we’re hopeful of reaching the target by the end of the year.”

Sandy Mc C o n n e l l of Hollandhurst Garage in Coatbridge became one of the first local business representatives to get behind the project, walking twice around the Isle of Cumbrae and raising £715 for the appeal; while a further £250 was received from Lanarkshire firm Tunnocks.

The charity’s next diary date is its annual Night of Stars concert, headlined by Airdrie singer Robbi McFaulds, taking place at Sir John Wilson town hall on October 24; tickets cost £12 and £10.

Meanwhile, a ladies’ lunch at Dalziel Park raised a total of £10,000 for the charity’s work, including donations of £ 1000 from Digby Brown and £ 500 from Dundas Estates.

Cashing in Businessman Sandy presents his £715 donation to Gillian Urquhart of the Foundation