SANDS Lothians have been shortlisted to receive a share of £25,000 as part of Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative which supports some of Scotland’s most valued community projects.
The charity are now asking for the support of the Edinburgh community to cast their votes to be in with a chance of receiving the top prize of £15,000. Carers of West Lothian is also in the running for funds and alongside the top prize, two £5,000 investments will be made to the runners up.
Since Community Connect launched two years ago, 27 good cause groups have benefited from £230,000 funding. The funds come solely from the sale of single-use carrier bags and aim to help charities, community projects and good cause groups across Scotland to keep their doors open and continue the valuable work they do within communities.
John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid, said: “We are passionate about supporting local causes which are close to the hearts and minds of our members, customers and staff and are thrilled to have such worthy causes nominated to receive our latest round of Community Connect funding. We know how much those who work for these charities go above and beyond every single day for the benefit of their service users and local communities and this should be celebrated.”
SANDS Lothians supports local bereaved families in Edinburgh and the Lothians who have lost their baby. It is hoped that the Community Connect funding will be used to help fund a specialist baby bereavement counsellor for a whole year.
Nicola Welsh, Chief Executive of SANDS Lothians, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for the Community Connect funding. This is such an inspirational scheme and a wonderful way for the local community to support causes they care about within their community. As a local charity, opportunities like this are incredible and we are so grateful to Scotmid for this chance to raise much needed funds for our work supporting bereaved families, at the worst of times.”
Image (left to right): Chief Operating Officer Angie Alexander and Nicky Reynolds, Principal Befriender.