Fundraising ball cash for Dial-a-Journey

Forth Valley charity Dial-a -Journey Trust is set to benefit from the annual fundraising ball held by The Order of Malta.

The event, at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh on April 14, will have Dial-aJourney as one of its main beneficiaries.

Local businesses and organisations throughout Forth Valley have also helped by providing memorable auction lots for an online silent auction prior to the ball and the main auction on the night.

The charity exists to provide accessible transport and associated services across the Forth Valley area for people with mobility problems and others who have difficulty using conventional public transport.

In 2017 the service provided 16,193 trips across Forth Valley, 12,160 school journeys for children with mobility difficulties, 2,155 people were transported for hospital appointments, 25,504 bookings were made through the Taxicard scheme, 8,806 loans of Shopmobility equipment in Stirling and Falkirk were made, and 3,721 trips for charities and grassroots organisations through the self-drive minibus service were made.

Dial-a-Journey is supported in its work by international charity, The Order of Malta, who has supported those in need worldwide for nearly 1000 years by responding to natural disasters, epidemics and war.

Local DAJ spokesperson Julie Christie said: “While receiving much appreciated financial support from the three local authorities to provide the basic level of door-to-door service, in order to lead full and active lives, our customers need more, and in order to provide additional services such as extending the normal operating hours and offering day trips and excursions, Dial-a-Journey Trust needs to raise additional funding to do this and support its work.

“There is still time to donate an auction lot or advertise in the ball programme. You don’t need to come to the ball to take part in the silent auction, just go to www.orderofmaltaball. com to place a bid.”