Blythswood fundraisers get charity shop help from Servite

Apr 15 2011 by Katy Gordon, Strathearn Herald

CRIEFF fundraisers have joined forces with a local housing association to raise money for Blythswood.

Every year the local branch of the Blythswood support group open a charity shop in the town to raise money for the charity’s shoebox appeal.

This year the local Servite Housing Association has offered its shop unit as the base for the charity shop.

The shop opened on Tuesday and will run until April 19.

Servite, who mainly provide affordable housing to rent but have a small number of commercial premises, agreed to its use when approached by local support group organiser Kate Clements.

She said: “I am grateful to Servite for agreeing to our using the shop to carry out our fundraising activities.

“I am also grateful to the people of Crieff and surrounding areas for their ongoing generosity.

“This is the fourth year we have taken part in this fundraising appeal and we receive really good support.”

The funds from the shoebox appeal, which distributes shoeboxes filled with small gifts such as basic hygiene items and small toys, will go to Eastern European countries.

Vanessa Baxter, Servite assistant services manager, said that they were happy to let the group use the shop unit.

She added: “It’s a really worthwhile cause and it gives the local support group a good base from which to operate.”