CLAN 1,2,3 appeal banks first £50,000

By ROSALIND GRIFFITHS

THE SHETLAND CLAN 1,2,3 appeal has just broken the £50,000 barrier. The appeal for a new cancer centre in Aberdeen was launched at the end of July and has seen widespread support across Shetland from both individuals and groups.

Donations have been made directly to the appeal as well as a whole range of fund-raising events including sports, discos, dog trails, bag packing, flower shows and snowball teas.

Appeal chairwoman Elaine Jamieson said the Shetland community was responding to what was a very worthwhile cause and dear to the hearts of many in the isles.

“The Shetland community have embraced the CLAN appeal, and in our first 10 weeks we have banked just over £50,000, with another £10,000 already committed.

“I would like to wholeheartedly say a really big thank you to all the individuals, groups and businesses who have supported us.” The CLAN shop, run by Rena MacKay, is operating six days a week from the Toll Clock Shopping Centre and is also proving to be a great success. There are number of up and coming events including a big prize raffle, one of the main prizes in which is a Toyota Yaris car. Raffle tickets are currently on sale with the draw being done on Up-Helly-A’ day.

The SIC held a “Purple Friday” at the end of last week for staff and clients across the council, who had tea and home bakes, wore something purple for the day and contributed to the CLAN appeal. Donations have also been made during the Shetland Food Festival.

The response to the appeal has not gone unnoticed by the main body in Aberdeen where the main fund-raiser is Susan Crichton.

She said: “We are astounded by the response and support of the Shetland people. To raise £50,000 in 10 weeks is unbelievable. No words can express how grateful we are to everyone for this.”

Although the main CLAN appeal is going to run for two years the Shetland appeal is running just for one year with a number of big events including a gala variety concert at Clickimin in the New Year, with an auction, a community walk and a dinner dance also already planned for 2009.

? Anyone thinking about a fundraising event who wants some assistance can contact the CLAN committee members Elaine Jamieson (01595) 694750, Andrew Hughson (01595) 840 373 or Cecil Smith (01595) 694875.