Disadvantaged children and families across Glasgow will enjoy time away from daily pressures this summer, thanks to two local charities.
Children’s Summercamp Association has spent five decades giving young people from the north of Glasgow a week in the countryside at Bonaly Scout Camp in Edinburgh. Run by volunteers, the charity works with schools, social work teams and community groups to reach those most in need, offering outdoor activities, team-building, and a safe space where children can switch off and simply be children.
Operating city-wide, Glasgow Children’s Holiday Scheme has, for 70 years, made holidays possible for family groups who might otherwise go without.
It operates five caravans at Wemyss Bay Holiday Park, including an adapted unit, and supports hundreds of children and families each year. As well as individual breaks, it also facilitates group and respite stays, helping those experiencing poverty, disability or difficult circumstances to relax and recharge.
This summer, both organisations will expand their work thanks to funding from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust.
Children’s Summercamp Association has received £1,500 towards a week-long residential camp for 20 young people, helping to cover activities and meals.
Glasgow Children’s Holiday Scheme has been awarded £1,000 to support the running costs of its accessibility-adapted caravan, ensuring more families can enjoy a break by the coast.
Donna Kerr from Children’s Summercamp Association said, “This year we are celebrating our 50th year and it would not be possible to continue without the generous support from our funders. I met a young girl last week who attended summer camp 15 years ago. She said ‘It was the best week of my life and my most favourite memory of my childhood. I will remember it forever and I remember every single minute of it.’ Everyone at Children’s Summercamp is delighted to have received this funding from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust; it makes a massive difference to the young people in our community.”
Douglas Wilson, Coordinator at Glasgow Children’s Holiday Scheme said, “Glasgow Children’s Holiday Scheme is celebrating 70 years of providing something so many of us can take for granted – the opportunity of a holiday, the chance to get away, try something new, have fun, and make memories.
“We are delighted to receive funding support from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust and to offer those opportunities to hundreds of children from across Greater Glasgow. The funding will be used to support our caravan holidays, where each year we enable over 200 families to get away and enjoy a family break.”
David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, said, “These projects give young people and families something simple but powerful: time away, new experiences and the chance to make happy memories together. We are proud to support organisations that open those doors to people who might otherwise miss out.”
With summer programmes underway, the funding will help ensure more children across Glasgow can have time away from everyday challenges and make memories that will stay with them long after the season ends.
