Generous community helps Haven Appeal

AN ambitious fundraising appeal to create a purpose-built facility in Inverness for children and young people with multiple and complex needs has received a £600 boost thanks to two fundraisers in Merkinch.

The Haven Appeal, launched by the Elsie Normington Foundation and supported by the Inverness Courier to mark the newspaper’s 200th anniversary, aims to raise £4 million to build the Haven Centre at a site in Smithton.

The Fraser School of Highland Dancers organised a fundraising ceilidh at Merkinch Community Centre, which raised £321.

The appeal received a further £277 from the Friendship Club which meets at the community centre for lunch, friendship and entertainment every Wednesday. The club raised the money by organising a lucky squares game.

So far, £1.2 million has been raised for the appeal from grants, donations and various events but it is hoped to enlist even broader public support via the Haven 200 Challenge, which recognises the Courier’s remarkable milestone.

It could involve schools, businesses, groups of friends or even individuals, while money-raising ventures could range from sponsored bike rides to workplace bake sales.

Those who reach the £200 target will receive a listing on the appeal website while stories and photographs will be featured in the Courier.

The proposed Haven Centre to be built in Murray Road, will include respite houses, a community café and garden, specialist indoor and outdoor play areas, office and meeting spaces. The facility will be a first for Scotland.

- Anyone wanting to inquiry about the Haven 200 Challenge should email info@havenappeal.org.uk