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Local Charities Receive Funding Boost From Fort Kinnaird

Two Craigmillar-based charities and a Greenydykes foundation have benefited from a £5,000 donation from Fort Kinnaird.

Thistle Foundation, The Venchie Children and Young People’s Project and Craigmillar Now have all received donations as part of the centre’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local community.

Thistle Foundation, founded in 1944, helps people with long-term health conditions and disabilities to live life on their terms. Its work includes delivering personalised supported living packages, helping young disabled people moving from school into adult life, and training volunteers with lived experience to deliver work in their local communities.

The donation From Fort Kinnaird has funded an event to thank volunteers for all their hard work as well as a Thistle Outdoors cycling session in Saughton Park which takes place each Thursday. The event provides a range of adapted bikes, including trikes and side-by side-cycles, for people to enjoy for free while meeting with friends or new people.

The Venchie Children and Young People’s Project supports more than 200 children every week from in and around Craigmillar. It runs activities ranging from breakfast and after-school clubs to holiday sessions and parent/toddler groups which will be supported through the donation.

And Craigmillar Now, an arts and heritage space, will use the funds to continue hosting a year-round programme of creative activities including artist residences, workshops and exhibitions.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “These charities are all doing vital work in the area, and we’re pleased that we are able to show our appreciation for this through these donations, which we know will have a direct positive impact on people in our community.”

Gail Begg, Outdoors Lead Practitioner at Thistle Foundation said: “This kind donation from Fort Kinnaird will go a long way to helping us achieve some of our goals this year and we’re very grateful to the centre for its commitment to bettering lives in the local community.”

Last updated Friday 9 February, 2024