Council makes donation of £11,600 to charities

South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell welcomed representatives from two charities to County Buildings in Ayr on Tuesday 26 November to present donations on behalf of South Ayrshire Council.

SSAFA (the Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmen's Families Association) Ayrshire Branch and Cash for Kids - Ayrshire each received donations of £5,800 from one of the Council's charitable schemes.

SSAFA provides lifelong support to British Armed Forces serving men and women and veterans, as well as their families. SSAFA has helped the armed forces community in many ways for over 130 years, including providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care.

Cash for Kids is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK by addressing issues such as poverty, illness, and neglect, and supporting those living with additional needs or coping with bereavement. Cash for Kids supported 579,376 children across the UK in 2023.

South Ayrshire Provost, Iain Campbell, said: "I'm delighted to have been able to present donations to these two wonderful charities on behalf of South Ayrshire Council. Both SSAFA and Cash for Kids work tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals and families in Ayrshire, and its especially important to show our support as the festive period approaches."

Councillor Martin Kilbride, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Buildings, Housing and Environment said: "I'm pleased we've been able to make donations again this year to two excellent charities. SSAFA and Cash For Kids make a big difference in Ayrshire communities and we're proud to support their efforts."

Elaine McFadyen, SSAFA Branch Chair, Ayrshire, said: "We're incredibly grateful for this generous donation. The Ayrshire Branch of SSAFA is 100% staffed by volunteers and by the end of 2024 we will have responded to over 100 requests for assistance. However, we want to do more to reach veterans, serving personal and their families in harder to reach areas of Ayrshire and, this donation will greatly support the branch with this objective. "

Michael Smith, Fundraising Charity Executive, Cash for Kids, said: "We are deeply grateful for this generous donation, especially during this time of year. It will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many children who are coping with the loss of a loved one."