Crowdfund site launched in final Cairndow childcare centre push
THE DREAM of a new purpose-built community childcare centre in Cairndow has moved a step closer to reality with the launch of a crowdfunding campaign.
Cairndow Community Childcare Limited, a not-for-profit community business, has been working for the past five years on ambitious plans for a centre near Clachan, at the head of Loch Fyne.
The centre will provide childcare for up to 24 children and include space for training, parent and child sessions and a separate play area open to the public.
It will be part of a planned development which, in time, will include small business units and housing.
A major milestone was reached earlier this year when funding was approved for 50 per cent of the building costs by the Big Lottery.
The project has also received support from the Scottish Land Fund and donations from local businesses, while applications to other funders are being prepared.
The centre has set its own fundraising target of £50,000 and a crowdfunding website launched today (Friday September 29) to help reach that target.
Childcare has been provided in Cairndow Village Hall since 2004, but the aim was always to relocate to a purpose-built building.
Alison Hutchins, chairman of Cairndow Community Childcare, said: ‘We have been working hard and have had tremendous support from local businesses but we need a final push to get the funding completed so we can go ahead and start building.
‘We are pleased to launch the crowdfunding page and would appeal to everyone to visit, donate and pass on. With this help, we are confident we can reach our target and start building in April 2018.
‘We will also run various fundraising events, for example Heron Valley will be playing at a ceilidh on October 21 at Cairndow Village Hall.
‘The commitment of our staff, the support of our local community and the generosity of local businesses have been key factors in getting this far, so a big thanks to them.’