HH makes five donations to local groups

At its AGM in August, it was decided to donate £1,000 from the operating surplus, to each of the following charities:

Western Isles Hospital League of Friends; Hebrides Mountain Rescue Team; Volunteer Centre Western Isles; Western Isles Association for Mental Health (WIAMH); and Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative (WICCI).

A representative from each charity, Donna Mackenzie (League of Friends), Charlie Greenwood (Mountain Rescue Team), Suzanne Macaulay (Volunteer Centre), Rebecca Mahony (WIAMH) and Helen Sandison (WICCI) joined staff and board members via video conferencing to give some background on their organisation and explain how the monies would be used.

HHP chair, Iain Macmillan welcomed everyone to the meeting, the first virtual cheque presentation, and thanked each of the charities for the vital work they do in our communities, particularly during these difficult times.

He reminded everyone of the importance of remaining connected and for charities, including HHP, to support each other where possible.

Western Isles League of Friends provides resources, services and care for patients and residents of the Western Isles Hospital.

The Hebrides Mountain Rescue Team operates throughout the Outer Hebrides providing immediate access to the islands.

Volunteer Centre Western Isles provides information, advice and support to individuals interested in volunteering.

The Western Isles Association for Mental Health runs a service user-led drop-in centre called Catch 23 for adults with mental health issues, their friends, families and carers.

Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative was established in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support in recognition of the specific issues faced by cancer patients in the Western Isles.

Each of the charities explained how their operation and fundraising had been sadly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, making the donation from HHP all the more critical this year. For more information call: 0300 123 0773.