Scottish veterans’ charity, Erskine, has received a major donation from leading community convenience retailer, Scotmid.
The charity, which provides care to veterans across Scotland through residential homes, activity centres and a Veteran’s Village, has been boosted with a £50,000 donation, which will be split between Erskine’s North, East and West locations.
A share of the funding will go towards the furnishing of social rooms for the new Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North (EVAC (N)) in Moray – the latest addition to the Erskine portfolio.
In an area with a high population of ex-Service personnel, the new Erskine Veterans Activity Centre in Forres will provide a space for local Veterans of any age to engage in various activities, socialise, and access support services.
Modelled after the successful Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC) in Renfrewshire, which has over 200 members, the Forres centre will offer sports, music, arts, and health-focused activities.
Ian Cumming, Chief Executive at Erskine said:
“The support received previously from Scotmid has been invaluable to the health and wellbeing of the incredible ex-Service men and women we have the privilege of caring for and supporting.
“We are honoured to be receiving this additional funding, which will help us hugely in improving the quality of our facilities and the rest and respite of our residents.’
Lynne Ogg, Head of Membership & Community Engagement at Scotmid, said:
“We have always deeply valued the work that Erskine does for members of our communities who have played a vital role in safeguarding the safety and democracy of our country.
“We are delighted to give back in this way and make a meaningful difference in their lives today.”
The funding will also go towards replacing all the beds in one of the residential home wings in the Bishopton-based centre, as well as provide 28 new beds in Edinburgh.
The new beds will replace the current ones that have been in use since 2000.
They’ll have a much less clinical feel, with special features such as full-length side rails to provide additional comfort and safety.
Quality furnishings are integral in allowing Erskine to cultivate an environment where veterans can relax and really feel at home, whilst accessing the services they require.
The Erskine care homes focus on maximising the wellbeing of residents and Scotmid is honoured to be able to play a part in ensuring that this is achieved.
The donation represents a longer-term relationship between Scotmid and Erskine.
In 2018, Scotmid funded the installation of a residential garden area in Bishopton.
This enabled the 180 veterans residing there to enjoy a revitalised garden with new outdoor furniture and accessible flowerbeds for them to tend to.
Established in 1916, Erskine’s mission is ‘To offer Veterans their best possible future – through the best possible care & community support’.
