Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Virtual Kiltwalk’s £600k for charity
CHARITIES and sports clubs say they are “overwhelmed” with donations received following last weekend’s virtual Kiltwalk.
More than 200 charities in Dundee and Tayside received a massive cash boost after the £300,000-plus raised by the Dundee Virtual Kiltwalk was doubled by Sir Tom Hunter.
One of those charities is the Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club, which provides regular training in a number of wheelchair sports.
Co-ordinator Gemma Lumsdaine, who took part in the virtual Kiltwalk with a small group of participants, raised £1,100 which, with Sir Tom’s top-up, represents a boost of more than £2,000.
Gemma, 22, completed a half marathon in her wheelchair over three days.
Due to coronavirus she couldn’t venture too far, so instead completed 60 laps of her grandparents’ street to make up the miles.
The wheelchair basketball coach said the funds will be vital to the club.
“It was great to do something for the club and it also really encouraged myself and the other members to get out and help,” she said.
“We are all absolutely overwhelmed and ecstatic with the amount raised and it really will have a huge impact on our club.
“Not only will it benefit existing members but it will also benefit those who would like to join in the future.
“We can use the funds to maintain our specialist equipment, plus court hire fees and possibly some events in the future. It really will go far.”
Dundee Foodbank also benefited from a £1,500 donation after £770 was raised by walkers.
Manager Ken Linton said: “We will use this money to buy items that we are low on.
“We can buy things such as nappies or anything else my warehouse manager identifies that we need.
“That is the advantage of having cash donations – but the important thing is that all of the money will go to help families, individuals, couples and local people who are in need.
“Most years there is someone doing the Kiltwalk for the foodbank and it is great from that point of view and the fact the Hunter Foundation is doubling that up is fantastic.”
In a video message, Sir Tom said he was so blown away by the efforts of the 1,152 Kiltwalkers that he decided to increase his pledge of a 50% boost to 100%.
He said: “When I saw these great people going out in all weathers over the weekend walking, cycling, kayaking and space-hopping for what they care about, I knew the Hunter Foundation wanted to match these efforts pound for pound.”