SPAR Scotland donates £165,000 to Scottish charities

Leading Dundee based, family-owned wholesaler and convenience retailer, C J Lang & Son Ltd, who operate the franchise for SPAR in Scotland, has given away £165,000 to hundreds of local charities and good causes around Scotland during 2023.

Almost 300 Scottish organisations, groups and charities have benefitted from a charitable donation from the award-winning business.

Beneficiaries have included Langlee Carnival, Kirrie Thistle CFC Girls 14s football team, Dundee Pride, Neilston Players and Neilston Santa Sleigh Group, Reengage charity, Cycle Speedway League, Cults Parish Church and Change Centre Dundee and many more.

Colin McLean, CEO at SPAR Scotland, said: “Being at the heart of local communities is hugely important to us and as a genuinely Scottish business, it’s even more important that we support good causes around the country. Our SPAR stores are in different localities across Scotland, where our customers have been very supportive. As a neighbourhood convenience store, it’s only fitting that we give something back.”

Colin Gilbert of Kirrie Thistle CFC Girls 14s football team received a donation of £500 in August and said: “We needed to raise £3,000 for the girls to take part in the Edinburgh Cup. The donation we received from SPAR Scotland was a massive help and it was greatly appreciated.”

A donation of £4,000 was made to sponsor Dundee Pride. Kenny Christie, Trustee and Secretary said: “On behalf of the entire board and team at Dundee Pride, we want to sincerely thank SPAR Scotland for the support of our Pride Festival in June. As a registered charitable organisation led by a voluntary board of trustees, events such as ours simply wouldn’t and couldn’t take place without the generosity of donations.”

Neilston Players received a donation of £1,000 and £500 went to Neilston Santa Sleigh Group. David Dewhurst said: “A huge thanks to SPAR Scotland for such a kind gesture. These funds will go a long way to help refurbish the sleigh and put on the panto.”

Reengage Lochwinnoch Group Charity reaches lonely and isolated elderly people who live alone by providing them with an afternoon tea, once a month all year round. SPAR Scotland donated £240 worth of SPAR vouchers. Ann Arnold Coordinator said: “I was overwhelmed by the generosity, thank you so much. To be able to give the guests SPAR vouchers in these difficult times fills me with joy.”

Craig Masson of Cycle Speedway League received a donation of £500. He said: “The support from SPAR Scotland made a huge difference in allowing us to promote the sport in Scotland.”

Kyle Fraser Social Enterprise Manager at Change Centre Dundee received a donation £2,000 where SPAR was then the event sponsor at their Community Open Day. He said: “I want to thank SPAR Scotland on behalf of the Change Centre Team and the wider Street Soccer Network for sponsoring our very first Community Open Day and Business Club Event. The event was an excellent opportunity to raise awareness to our player group and the wider community in relation to all the transformative work going on within the city and the support available.”

Other recipients included Fresh Start Borders in Selkirk, Kids come First, Lochore, Fife Gingerbread, Culduthel Woods Group in Inverness, and Team Jak.
SPAR’s national Community Cashback scheme returns in 2024. Applications open on 25th April until 5th June and all local groups, organisations and charities are encouraged to apply. SPAR Scotland will be giving away £20,000 to local groups through this scheme.

In the meantime, any local groups looking for support are encouraged to contact SPAR Scotland via www.sparscotland.co.uk