Calum Kerr MP hands £1,000 to Radio Borders Cash for Kids appeal

Borders MP Calum Kerr has combined forces with local companies to help to brighten the lives of children in the region with a donation of £1,000 to a charity.
Jenni Heatlie and Calum Kerr hand the cheque over to Keith Clarkson of Radio BordersJenni Heatlie and Calum Kerr hand the cheque over to Keith Clarkson of Radio Borders
Jenni Heatlie and Calum Kerr hand the cheque over to Keith Clarkson of Radio Borders

He handed over a cheque to the Radio Borders Cash for Kids appeal after raising the money through sponsorship of his official Christmas card.

Calum had 1,000 cards printed and sent out to local community groups, charities, businesses and individuals. They were sponsored by three Borders companies.

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The Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP said: “I was absolutely delighted to be able to raise this money for an extremely worthwhile cause. My thanks once again to everyone who made a donation.

“We raised several hundred pounds and I personally added to it to bring the total to £1,000. Cash for Kids is a brilliant charity, lending a helping hand to disabled and disadvantaged children.”

He added: “All the money is raised and spent in the area and goes on helping a range of youngsters under 18, including those suffering abuse or neglect and people with physical, mental or sensory disabilities.

“It’s a really worthwhile cause which puts a lot back into the community.”

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The final card was chosen after Calum ran a competition themed Our Beautiful Borders which was open to high school students across the constituency.

The entries were judged by Borders artist Rob Hain and his wife Maggie. They chose a painting by Kelso High School S2 pupil Jenni Heatlie whose work Eyemouth Harbour in A Snow Storm went on the front.

Jenni was at the cheque handover along with her mum Moira.

Candy Rafferty, Cash for Kids Charity Manager at Radio Borders, said: “Calum’s cheque came just as we were preparing for our first grant round of the year. With over £20,000 worth of appeals in, his fantastic donation of £1000 will go a long way to fulfilling these.

“Many of the applications are for very basic items such as beds and clothing. However, he has also made sure we can add to the sensory garden at Wilton School, roll out a therapeutic programme across Scottish Borders primary schools and provide safe spaces for children on the autistic spectrum.

“Huge thanks to him for supporting these kids in his own constituency.”

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