We swapped bus passes for go-karts
Volunteer recruitment drive to aid community
A volunteering scheme that puts retired people in the driving seat to give something back to the community is looking for new recruits.
The Charity Experience, based at The Experience in Hillington Park, gives local groups and charities the opportunity to use the state-ofthe-art go-karting and conference facilities at a discounted rate.
The project is run in partnership with volunteers – and more people are needed.
Roles include karting assistance, music and drama, photography, arts and crafts.
The latest recruits might be more used to a bus pass than a go-kart, but they accepted a challenge to race each other in a contest of the “geri-kartrics”.
After the Grand Prix, they took some time to help explain why they wanted to get more involved with The Charity Experience.
Houston man Hugh Gilmour, 64, and 65-year-old Alex Young, from Beith, joined retired Kibble chief executive Graham Bell, 63, for a race at The Experience.
They have helped prove that age is no barrier when it comes to taking part in the action.
Hugh is a retired managing director of Renfrewshire leather company WJ and W Lang and this was the first time he had raced in a go-kart.
He said: “It is amazing how physical driving a go-kart can be.
“No wonder the F1 guys are in top condition.
“The range of volunteering opportunities is incredible. Whether people have mechanical, catering or other skills, there are roles for all types of schedule and abilities.”
The race finished with Alex taking top spot with Graham and Hugh on second and third respectively.
Graham added: “We know people volunteer for a whole number of reasons, whether it is to enhance their CV, to meet new people or to give something back to the community.
“With our Charity Experience, volunteering with us can do all of this and more.
“The Experience is such an exciting venue that we want to make it accessible for as many charity and community groups as possible. With the help of volunteering, we are dedicated to removing barriers and providing opportunities for all.”
The Experience, featuring Scotland’s only indoor electric gokart track, is one of several social enterprise businesses that are ran by the children and youth charity Kibble Education and Care Centre
It helps young people aged from 16 to 29 take part in training, with the aiming to find a job.
It also caters for looked- after children, care leavers, unqualified school leavers and young people leaving secure care. ● To find out more about volunteering as part of the Charity Experience, email enquiries@ theexperience.org.uk or call 0141 883 4005.