Donations from memorial fund help young and old in Tain
Almost £2000 has been earmarked for local causes in the latest round of grants from the Alan Ross Memorial Fund, as it celebrates its fourth year.
Cheques have been already been presented to children’s charity HALO and the Tain Old Folks Lunch this past month as the group extends its support to groups important to the Easter Ross town.
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People both young and old will benefit in this year’s round of grants.
Established in 2021 by life-long best friend Jim Oliver, the group was created in memory of Mr Ross, who died in 2021 after an eight-month fight with cancer.
Over £30,000 has been raised since that time, and donated to local clubs, charities and causes in Tain and the surrounding area.
The first of two worthy causes to benefit in 2024 was announced on September 9, with a donation of £500 made to children’s charity, Highland Action For Little Ones (HALO).
The Highland-based charity helps with the provision of toiletries, clothes, footwear, nappies, food and any other everyday items that are taken for granted.
Mr Oliver said: “I was delighted to hand over a cheque for £500 on behalf of the Friends of Alan Ross group to Mel Thomson of HALO.
“HALO help families with young children who are struggling with the cost of living, helping with the provision of toiletries, clothes, footwear, nappies, food and any other everyday items that we all take for granted.
“The charity is entering into talks with someone local to Tain about supporting them in the area. If you would be interested in helping to run a HALO centre in Tain please do not hesitate to get in touch with Mel.”
Earlier this week, the fund announced its support for people at the other end of the age scale, making a £500 donation towards the organisation of the Tain Old Folks’ Christmas Lunch.
Mr Oliver said a chat with lunch organisers revealed the need for some help.
“Following discussions with Alan's family it has been agreed to donate £500 towards the Tain Old Folks Christmas Lunch,” he said. “The lunch is hosted by the community council and they were delighted to get the news as their funds for the dinner were running low.
“After speaking with some of the organisers of this event it was clear that they could do with some support. The old have been hit by a number of government policies and increased energy costs eating in to their income.
“The Friends of Alan Ross were delighted to give the donation to help the elderly have a great day out.”
The fund has also earmarked a £1000 donation for another, yet-to-be named “deserving cause”, subject to a match funding application.
Mr Oliver added: "Alan was such a kind and caring person that we know that he would be delighted with both of these donations going to those that need our support.
“I would like to thank all those who take part in the Alan Ross Memorial Golf Day, either playing, donating or sponsoring, as you enable us to make these donation happen."
