Scotmid Co-op’s Community Connect initiative has funded the £15,000 purchase of a new minibus for a north Lanarkshire hospice.
St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie – which provides specialist palliative care across Lanarkshire – was one of the good causes chosen through the Community Connect scheme.
Every time a member shops in a Scotmid store, they can scan their Community Connect Card to receive a vote for a cause. Members then register and attend twice-yearly meetings to cast their votes and allocate awards of up to £15,000 to three good causes.
St Andrew’s Hospice will used the bus to take patients to outpatient appointments, which include physiotherapy, complementary therapies, adult bereavement sessions and chidren’s drop-in services.
Lorna McCafferty, trust fundraising officer at the h ospice, said: “We are committed to providing the highest standard of specialist palliative care to the people of Lanarkshire. We offer care and support to patients and their families tailored to meet their individual needs.
“The Community Connect funding will enable us to transport patients attending our outpatient services; including our wellbeing programme, occupational therapy and music therapy.”
Jim Watson, Scotmid vice president, said: “It is absolutely fantastic to see the charity’s new minibus and know that Scotmid members’ Community Connect votes helped to make that become a reality.
“St Andrew’s Hospice absolutely blew our members away with their moving presentation and the outstanding care they give. We’re looking forward to seeing the new minibus in action and we’re very proud of the lasting, positive impact that it will have on everyone involved at this special charity.”
