Funding crisis puts a spoke in charity’s future

Borderers are being encouraged to stop the wheels coming off a vital Hawick charity.
Councillor Stuart Marshall at Hawick's Hapi Centre with project worker Ged Smith and volunteers, Richard Blisga and Ian Murdie. (PHOTO: BILL McBURNIE)Councillor Stuart Marshall at Hawick's Hapi Centre with project worker Ged Smith and volunteers, Richard Blisga and Ian Murdie. (PHOTO: BILL McBURNIE)
Councillor Stuart Marshall at Hawick's Hapi Centre with project worker Ged Smith and volunteers, Richard Blisga and Ian Murdie. (PHOTO: BILL McBURNIE)

Hawick Acorn Project Initiative (Hapi) is a volunteer group whose members recycle old bicycles for those in need.

Made up predominantly of people with learning disabilities, the charity is about to move a new premises in Carnarvon Street, after a number of years at the town’s Katharine Elliot Centre at Howdenbank.

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Just like so many other charities, Hapi is struggling to find the funding necessary to survive and thrive.

Its cause has been taken up by Hawick and Denholm councillor Stuart Marshall, who has agreed to help their fundraising search.

Mr Marshall said: “I was asked if I would help this fantastic group of volunteers find some extra funding in order for them to continue the great work that they do for youngsters within our community and indeed beyond.

“These volunteers recycle old or outgrown bicycles and put huge effort into making them safe and making them look new again. The group also carry out free bike repairs for those who need it most and it’s great they are now officially part of the Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme.

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“Unfortunately, like many charity organisations these days, it’s quite difficult to secure funding to keep them going, and it is desperate for funds to pay the rent on the new premises.

“I can only hope that soon they can overcome their funding issues. This is an initiative that both Police Scotland and indeed the Scottish government are fully supportive of and I wish the group well in their new premises in Carnarvon Street.”

If you can help support Hapi in any way email [email protected]

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