SAVE THE DAY
Firms rally round to rescue holiday club safari park trip
The Sunday Mail has stepped in to save a day out for families left high and dry amid fraud claims.
Our helpers ral l ied round after 140 people in Hami lton were lef t with nowhere to go when they gathered for the trip to Blair Drummond Safari Park eight days ago.
The devastated families were left stranded after the organiser allegedly failed to pay bus drivers.
We contacted Blai r Drummond, who kindly agreed to admit the families free of charge.
The trip has now been rearranged for Sunday, July 14.
Coach company Golden Eagle also said it would provide transport free of charge.
AG Barr’s and Tunnock’s agreed to donate drinks and snacks.
And Lidl is providing sandwiches and crisps for the day-trippers.
Mum- of- two Paula Gibson said: “Everyone is overwhelmed by the generosity. Everyone has been so helpful to get all these families on the trip.
“Most of the mums heard back from their banks this week and found out we won’t be getting the money we paid the holiday club back.
“Some can’t afford to lose that but it’s amazing they won’t lose out now.”
Blair Drummond Safari Park said: “We are more than happy to offer entry completely free for those families affected as a goodwill gesture.”
Iain Peacock, of Golden Eagle Coaches, said: “Hopefully we can put the smiles back on their faces.”
Tunnock’s sales boss Fergus Loudon said: “We were only too happy to support the mammoth effort by the Sunday Mail to organise a day to remember for the kids.”
After the families were left dumped in a car park when organisers from the Hamilton Holiday Club failed to turn up, police arrested a woman, 26. Inquiries are ongoing.