Renfrewshire good causes get a cash windfall
Community groups have been given a cash boost to help them continue their good work.
Regeneration specialist contractor Engie has split £ 6,000 between three groups in Renfrewshire: Klas Care, Johnstone Castle Learning Centre and LEAP (Local Energy Action Plan).
Lorna Preston, corporate responsibility manager with Engie, said: “The three groups we have selected all do such incredible work and we hope these funds will support them to continue in their efforts.
“Community investment is something we are passionate about as a company and it’s been fantastic to work with the local voluntary sector to recognise where we could offer some added value.”
Engie worked alongside Engage Renfrewshire to identify the community projects.
Lauren Fearon from Klas Care, which provides afterschool care services in the Johnstone and Linwood area, said: “This funding will ensure our children from Johnstone afterschool will have a fantastic fun-filled summer.”
Jean Gallagher from Johnstone Castle Learning Centre, which puts on youth and adult activities, also welcomed the £2,000.
She said: “This funding is great news and will allow us to host our intergenerational event.”
LEAP tackles fuel poverty and education in vulnerable households.
Jen O’Brien from the group said: “We have been very fortunate to be supported once again by Engie and their community benefits scheme. The funding will go a long way in delivering our services locally.”
Engie are currently building 95 new homes in Johnstone Castle on behalf of Renfrewshire Council and has pledged to support community projects throughout Renfrewshire.
Iain Cunningham, third sector development officer at Engage Renfrewshire, said: “It’s great to see partnership working in action. The community benefits scheme is a great example of the public, private and voluntary sectors working together”
Engie secured funding from the local authority’s housing investment programme and a Scottish Government grant totalling £12.9m. Works are due for completion by early 2020, and will include 73 houses and 20 cottage flats.