No sign of stinting in strath as great fundraising efforts for Ukraine continue
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Efforts to help those fleeing war-torn Ukraine show no signing of flagging in Badenoch and Strathspey with thousands of pounds more being raised for the cause this past week alone.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his military invasion of Ukraine on February 24 in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict that had started in 2014.
Six weeks on the impetus is being maintained in the strath to assist just some of the more than 4.2 million refugees who have since left Ukraine, while over 6.5 million people been displaced within the country itself.
VisitCairngorms organised a raffle offering an array of prizes which attracted no fewer than 682 supporters and has raised £6570.
At Grantown, an auction dedicated to boosting Ukrainian coffers was equally successful. More than £7000 had been collected by yesterday with more pledged money still coming in.
The strath has seen special cake-baking events at Grantown and Kincraig and another big event is planned – 'Fundraiser for Ukraine' is gathering local music stars at Loch Insh Outdoor Centre tomorrow (Saturday) who will perform from 2pm to 10pm.
Mark Tate, chief executive of Cairngorms Business Partnership, told the Strathy that heartfelt thanks was owed to all the many businesses which, at short notice, had rallied to the cause.
He said: "They helped us put together a fantastic prize package, helping raise much-needed funds to support the DEC’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
"A huge thanks also to our visitors and our VisitCairngorms followers for giving so generously.
"It’s testament to the generosity and community-mindedness of businesses in the strath that we were able to turn this around successfully so quickly”.
The CBP's #HighlandforUkraine raffle, promoted through its destination brand VisitCairngorms, was made possible due to the kindness of its members who contributed.
Aviemore-based holiday homes rental agency Igloo donated a three-day stay at the luxury accommodation The Maltings, a 270 year old converted oat mill near Nethy Bridge.
The Highland Wildlife Park by Kincraig offered the lucky winner a much-coveted ‘Polar Bear Magic Moment’ for two to meet new cub Brodie.
Loch Insh Outdoor Centre contributed a family day ticket, as well as lunch at the Boathouse restaurant.
The prize also includes a family ticket to Blair Castle and a round of golf for four at Abernethy Golf Club.
"The fundraiser has to date attracted well over 500 entries, with a minimum contribution of £5," said Mr Tate.
"One participant told us it was such an excellent way to raise much-needed money for the people of Ukraine. Another said it was a fabulous prize in support of such a worthy cause."
Businesses from across the Cairngorms National Park joined in the ‘Highland weekend in support of Ukraine’, with many putting on special events and donating a percentage of the sales.
At The Pagoda in Grantown, Elizabeth Boyd told the Strathy their auction had proved amazingly successful.
She said: "We had an excellent response to our auction on Sunday. The businesses and individuals of Strathspey excelled in their generosity .
"Thousands of pounds worth of prizes were bid on and we raised over £7,000 but are still counting.
"Our local MP Drew Hendry was an amazing auctioneer and really got the crowd going."
