Make it a fare win for charity

A charity that gives free taxi rides to veterans in Renfrewshire is appealing for votes after reaching the finals of the National Lottery Awards.

Fa re s 4 F re e, w h i c h partners with Renfrewshire Cab Company in Paisley, is competing in the Best Voluntary/ Charity category.

The project beat off competition from more than 700 organisations to reach the public voting stage in this year’s awards.

The project with the most votes will receive a £ 5,000 cash prize to spend on their project, a National Lottery Awards trophy and attend a glittering awards ceremony to be broadcast on BBC One in September.

Fares4Free asks taxi drivers to give up four fares for free per month to help veterans, of all ages, who find it difficult to get out and about due to a variety of reasons, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Fares4Free founder David Gibson said: “We are thrilled that Fares4Free has made it through to the finals.

“With the help of a relatively small amount of National Lottery funding, we’ve been able to expand across Scotland, including Renfrewshire.

“To be named the UK’s Best Voluntary/ Charity project would be wonderful recognition for the efforts of our all our drivers and partners who give up their time for free and everyone involved in the project.”

To vote go to lotterygoodcauses. org. uk/ awards. Voting runs until midnight on Friday, July 27.