Cairngorms couple launch Christmas CD in aid of kids
An ambitious charity CD campaign has been launched in the strath by a local couple aiming to raise money for "children all over the world".
Christine Gray, who has run hotels in Grantown, Dulnain Bridge and Aviemore, and is now based at Tomatin, hopes that people will pick up the CD in time for Christmas.
She and her boyfriend Dave Hill, a retired farmer who once dreamed of being a singer-songwriter, have been receiving "fantastic" support around the strath in promoting the new idea.
"With the community behind us we really can make this happen through our registered charity - we have produced 40,000 CDs, each with three beautiful, original Christmas songs and an instrumental reprise - which schools can sell at £5 a time, retaining £4 of that for their own use.
"It’s not an ordinary everyday charity appeal. Individuals or organisations can buy one or thousands and the children around the world who they help will be unbelievably happy.
"We will be keeping everyone informed as to exactly where their donation was spent and what it bought.
Ms Gray, a trustee of SIMPLYUS121212 CHILDREN’S TRUST, confirmed that while thousands of copies of "Christmas is Coming" have been shipped to Mr Hill’s contacts in South Africa and South America, with the aim of initially raising £160,000, the trust was seeking local distributors and retailers to help them sell the CD in the Highlands in time for Christmas.
She said: "We are pushed for time this year because we were held up by illness. Dave wanted to launch it all last year but was hositalised and then we had the delay over the formal registration of the new charity. But we really do feel the disc can make a huge impact this year for so many children, if the momentum is now kept up.
"It retails at £5 and for every CD sold, £4 goes direct to charity. Any money raised here will be donated here, and we are talking to several organisations who are already on board. The CD is available in several shops now and we’re seeking more outlets.
"Cairngorm Windows are sponsoring the campaign on Moray Firth Radio and we are seeking local retailers and distributors to help us raise as much as possible in the Highlands for the Highlands in time for Christmas."
The record is available at newsagents in Aviemore and Grantown, the Heather Centre, the village shop at Tomatin and several other local outlets, said Ms Gray,
"I am looking for any of the larger hotels in the area about to entertain lots of turkey and tinsel guests - the CD is an ideal last minute Christmas present. All the schools are being sent a copy with a chance to raise funds for their own needs.
"Recipients of funds will include Archies Foundation, and we invite any other child related charity body to contact us. We are keen to link up with all. This is only our first CD, with more fund raising activities to follow next year...."
More info at simplyus121212davehill@gmail.com or christine.gray17@btinternet.com or call Ms Gray on 01808 511718 or mobile 07786 514528.
