Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
DAVID HAS RIGHT SPIRIT
Star picks up store cash
Screen and stage star David Hayman visited Coatbridge to receive a donation to his Spirit Aid charity.
The actor was presented with a cheque for £1300 by staff at the town’s branch of Tesco, raised through a day of bag packing and special events.
He told the Advertiser: “This is amazing support and makes a huge difference to us – and it will be spent on kids in this area.”
Coatbridge Tesco staff, volunteers and helpers, including members of Gartcairn FC, packed shopping bags for customers to raise the funds.
Visitors to the store also enjoyed live entertainment including a DJ and singers; while the total was further boosted by the proceeds of a bingo night run by staff members.
Mr Hayma n founded humanitarian charity Spirit Aid in 2001, and as well as working close to home, the organisation also helps children in need across the world and has had recent projects in Malawi and Afghanistan.
The actor, who is the charity’s head of operations, said: “It’s all run by volunteers and I’m really proud of the work we do – the gap between rich and poor is shameful and it’s important that we all do what we can to make the world a better place.
“We work every year to improve health, education and opportunities; we work with homeless people, those with mental health challenges, women’s aid groups and with children.
“All donations go straight to the sharp end, and we couldn’t achieve these things without endeavours like this.
“I’m overjoyed with this donation; raising money is the hardest part so £1300 is fantastic, and it’s easy to spend it effectively on helping people.”
Tesco Coatbridge staff also support Spirit Aid throughout the year, including donating items ranging from clothes to sanitary products and medicines for the charity’s recent mission to Malawi, while the store at Faraday retail park hosts a collection point for the Advertiser’s annual toy appeal which benefits the charity.
Community champion Elizabeth Wilkie added: “We also have people knitting cardigans and hats for Spirit Aid, and our customers are great and really support everything we’re doing.
“We try to do whatever we can to support charities and to make an impact in the community.”
Spirit Aid representative and Advertiser columnist Patrick Rolink added: “Every year there’s more and more demand for what we’re doing – and every year, the people of Lanarkshire step up.
“We say what the needs are that we’re helping with, and people’s generosity is really overwhelming.
“It also raises awareness of what Spirit Aid is doing which is great and helps get the word out about our work.”