Scottish veterans’ charity Erskine has received a bumper Christmas donation from a major retailer.
The charity, which provides care to veterans across the nation through residential homes, activity centres and a veterans’ village, has been boosted with a £50,000 donation from Scotmid.
The donation will be split between Erskine’s North, East and West locations.
A portion of the funds will be put towards replacing old beds that have been in place since 2000 in one of the residential home wings at the Bishopton-based centre. The purpose-built home provides 24-hour care for 180 members of the ex-service members’ community.
The six 30-bed wings care for residents with nursing needs as well as those living with dementia. Scotmid’s donation is said to “represent” a longer-term relationship between the company and Erskine.
In 2018, the retailer 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.
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.”
The beds are said to have a much less clinical feel with special features such as full-length side rails to provide additional comfort and safety.
Erskine says quality furnishings are integral in allowing them to cultivate an environment where veterans can relax and really feel at home, while accessing the services they require.
The Erskine care homes focus on maximising the wellbeing of residents and Scotmid are “honoured to be able to play a part” in ensuring that this is achieved.
The funding will also go towards providing 28 new beds in Edinburgh and the furnishing of social rooms for the new Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North in Moray – the latest addition to the charity’s portfolio.
Lynne Ogg, head of membership and community engagement at Scotmid, added: “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.”
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