FOUR LOCAL CAUSES are counting the cash this week after a Moray garden centre handed over £3000 – the results of a variety of fundraising events held throughout last year.
Mackenzie and Cruickshank in Forres will hand the cash on to MFR Cash for Kids, the Royal British Legion, Forres Lights and the Forres Camera Club.
Always passionate about supporting its local community, the garden centre has also handed out around 100 raffle prizes for groups ranging from nurseries, schools, care homes and several other local causes.
Business owner Peter Wilson explained: “We are delighted with the amount we have raised – it is very important for us to support local charities and groups and we have had great fun running some of the events – we plan to do a lot more this year too.”
The bulk of the money for MFR Cash for Kids was raised during the station’s Big Bake Day last September for which M&C was the main sponsor.
However, the garden centre went one better and held a whole Bake Weekend with a £1 from every transaction in the coffee shop being donated to MFR Cash for kids, which supports disadvantaged children in the north and north-east.
Lindsay Rose from MFR Cash for Kids said: “We were delighted to have the support of Mackenzie and Cruickshank throughout 2015.
“They supported our ‘Bags of Cash’ appeal donating 5p from carrier bags sales as well as getting involved with the Big Bake Day. The folk of Forres and Moray in general are so generous – what is important is that all the funds raised stay in this area.”
The Royal British Legion scooped £1400 after Mackenzie and Cruickshank sold 700 ‘poppy bird feeders’. The garden centre initially bought in 300 of the item, but they proved so popular and sold out in one weekend that a further 400 were ordered.
Andy Kinghorn, Poppy Convener and Vice President of the Royal British Legion, Forres said: “This donation is very much appreciated as it all helps to keep the Legion going and helps us locally.”
The last of the money was donated to the Forres Lights and Forres Camera Club. The camera club support M&C during its Santa visits in December by taking pictures of the children with Father Christmas.
Billy Laing, Honorary President, Forres Camera Club said: “Being involved in the Santa’s grotto is all good fun. I enjoy doing it and it helps raise money for the camera club.”
Meanwhile Jackie King, chair, Forres Christmas Lights Committee added: “Mackenzie and Cruickshank have always been a great supporter of the Forres Christmas Lights. As a committee of volunteers, we’re very grateful for fundraising efforts which help ensure Forres shines bright over the festive season.”