A FORMER Scotland rugby captain has urged community groups across Glasgow and the west to apply for more than £100,000 worth of grants waiting to be allocated.
Recently appointed as chairman of the Glasgow committee of Wooden Spoon – the children’s charity of rugby – Al Kellock urged groups to apply for funding following a shortage of applications.
The charity’s Glasgow branch raised the six-figure sum at its annual fundraising event in March.
Kellock (above), managing director at Glasgow Warriors and who had previously been Wooden Spoon’s ambassador, said: “Our events bring in much-needed money and allow us to support children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage across the country.
“However, while we are well aware there are abundant worthy causes out there, so far, there has been a shortage of applications.
“Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have more money to give than we have projects seeking support. We want to be inundated, and we would encourage any organisation which supports children to apply. It’s a difficult time for so many people right now, we are here to help.
“Having been involved with Wooden Spoon for a number of years, I’m proud to take the reins, continuing to work with the rugby community to positively transform lives.”
Wooden Spoon has granted more than £4m to hundreds of initiatives since it was formed in the early 90s.
In the last year, Wooden Spoon raised and distributed more than £1m in grants to support 107 charitable projects, helping over 113,000 children and young people living with disabilities or who are disadvantaged or disenfranchised.
The Glasgow branch funded £76k worth of projects in the last 12 months, with more than £40k worth of projects in the pipeline.
In the last year, funds donated by the charity have helped create new sensory spaces for people with complex needs at Holybrook Academy in Govanhill, Ashton School in Craigend and at Cosgrove Care in Giffnock, as well as a new “try it first” facility at Chattersense in Easterhouse, a charity which ensures every child regardless of physical, psychological, cognitive or sensory challenges has access to a safe and supportive environment.
The charity also provided a new reception area to Whitely’s in Ayr, which provides free therapeutic short breaks and extended support for children and young people with cancer, and their families.
Sharon Craighead, founder of Chattersense, said: “Sometimes parents know their kids need help but they can’t get it; they say the equipment is too expensive. In their first session with us they come and see us, look at the equipment and can see if they want to engage in the process.
“If you live in a deprived area there is not as much opportunity to buy things on a whim. If you are going to invest you need to know how to use it, you need to know it works. Through this generous donation from Wooden Spoon, we can give people the opportunity to take equipment home to try.”
The Wooden Spoon dinner, which was hosted by Scotland legend Andy Nicol, was supported by Cairnhill Structures, Peter Vardy, Malcolm Group, Fosroc, HF Group and Caledonian Group.
If you have a project which aims to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people, it may be eligible for a Wooden Spoon grant. You can submit an application here.
