African aid from firm
Two Auchterarder students are well on their way to raising the money for a home- building charity expedition to Tanzania, thanks to a donation of £500 from Muir Homes.
The Lang Toon’s Callum Ross and Jacob Jolley originally meant to travel to Malawi as part of a visit organised by the Community School of Auchterarder.
Unfortunately the trip had to be cancelled. But, determined to make a difference and with their fundraising efforts already under way, the two friends looked for other similar volunteering opportunities and decided to go to Tanzania with charity the Vine Trust in July this year.
Their two-week long trip to the Kilimanjaro region will see them support local builders with the construction of family homes for some of the most vulnerable people in the area’s poor rural communities.
Jacob, who is in his final year at the Community School, and Callum – who is studying professional cookery at Perth College UHI – are now fundraising to pay for the trip, which will be around £2400.
Callum said: “We’re so grateful to Muir Homes for their donation which will really help us reach our fundraising target. We have already held events, such as afternoon teas, and are holding a ceilidh at Auchterarder Bowling Club on April 1 with the Jimmy Cassidy Ceilidh Band, which we hope will raise a substantial sum.
“However, we only have a very limited time to raise the money and have school and work to fit in, which is why donations like this are so welcome. We’re really confident now we’ll meet our target and are looking forward to the trip so much.”
Grace Brownlow, sales and marketing director at Muir Homes, said: “Muir is currently building homes here in Auchterarder, and when we heard these two local young men needed to raise such a significant sum we were delighted to help, especially as they’ll be building homes for people who really need them - a fantastic cause. We wish them all the best.”
Donations can be sent to Callum at: Rossy, Abbotsfield Terrace, Auchterarder, PH3 1DD.