At Urquharts it’s very important for us to be part of our community and find ways to give back. In the backdrop of COVID-19 when we weren't able to attend events & give sponsorship, our Optometrist weren't be able to go to schools, community groups or guilds to do talks – and so we’ve been looking for new ways to support people in Ayrshire. That’s why we’ve created the Urquharts ‘Care & Community’ fund, based on one of our key values. Every second month of the year we’ll have up to £1000 available for local groups and charities, which will be awarded based on the application below.
To apply for funding please download our digital application & once completed email to communityfund@urquhart-opticians.co.uk Applications are open at the beginning of the month and funding will be awarded by months end.
***APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR 2024***
Vics in the Community work to provide completely free activities to children in the area, so no family is excluded. Their aim is to keep kids in their community active, healthy, to maintain good mental health and to reduce isolation - we’re proud to be able to support them in this way. We presented Andrew, Development Manager for the charity and Marna, Wellbeing Co-ordinator with our Urquharts cheque for £700.
The remainder of our July funding went to Symington Community Hall to help towards a project improving their outdoor space for their members and local groups to use.
Our Care & Community Funding for August went to Ayrshire charity Break the Silence. Break the Silence works to support survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse - they provide counselling, therapy, group sessions, art & music classes and much more. While a difficult subject to approach, our team felt very moved by the work they do. All their services are currently virtual, but we got the chance to visit their Kilmarnock premises and tour the facilities. We’re humbled to able to help the charity in this way - our funding was also topped up by a donation from one of our lovely patients, so we were able to give £1050 to Break the Silence.
We’re delighted to announce our September funding went to the Ayrshire Hospice, a cause close to many people’s hearts. Our donation was used for reading materials on loss and grieving for all new clinical staff.
We’re delighted to have supported Troon Football Club with our Care & Community Fund for November. The funding will help with the club’s Youth Academy and their new pitch for local clubs& groups to use as well.
Our funding for December was awarded to Baby to Teen for their Night Before Christmas campaign. The Ayrshire charity work so hard at this time of year, ensuring the families most in need get help & support to make Christmas a special time for everyone. We’re delighted to be able to support them in this campaign this year.
