Bernera appeal reaches £177,000
The fund-raising appeal by the Bernera Community Association to help fight legal action raised by American Claire Kellerman has resulted in an “incredible” response and now sits at £177,000.
The story of how legal aid was granted to Ms Kellerman - the daughter of famous actor Sally Kellerman who starred in the hit US show M.A.S.H - has now attracted worldwide attention and raised questions as to how it could have been granted in the first place.
Ms Kellerman raised the action after her dog was refused entry to the community-run cafe.
She first tried to sue, wrongly, the Bernera Community Trust, but when it was pointed out that the cafe was run by the Association and not the Trust she was allowed to transfer the action over, while still seemingly eligible for legal aid. Meanwhile, the Trust were still faced with legal fees of £7,000.
However, it has resulted in one positive outcome, with the tremendous response for the Association’s fund-raising appeal.
In a statement today (Monday), they said: “Over the past two weeks, we have been completely overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown to us.
“Messages of support have arrived from people throughout the country and from right around the world, and we have received donations from people who simply want to see our community centre remain open.
“We cannot put into words how much this means to us. Running a community centre comes with significant ongoing costs, quite apart from the legal expenses we are currently facing.
“Every donation, every message and every word of encouragement has helped remind us just how important this facility is to the community and how many people want to see it continue.
“To everyone who has donated, shared our appeal and offered words of encouragement or simply taken the time to think of us - thank you.
“The fact we have now reached £177,000 is an incredible achievement and is entirely down to the generosity of the public. We are immensely grateful.
“We still do not know what lies ahead, and we remain unable to discuss court proceedings. But whatever happens, we will never forget the support that has been shown to Bernera Community Association and to our community centre during this incredibly challenging period.”