Staff at Morrisons in Dumfries were delighted to receive a goodwill gesture of £250 from Loreburn Housing Association after its brand-new community hub became a big hit with local tenants.
Tamara Marshall, Neighbourhood Officer, presented the cheque on behalf of Loreburn to Morrisons Community Champion Myra Smith, who officially opened the Community Room in December last year.
Tamara said: “Being in such a central and accessible location, having access to this space has played a key part in bringing together our local community.
“In these times, where many of us have very busy lives or find ourselves isolated, it’s so important to make the time to connect with others.”
Created to help local groups deal with the increasing cost of booking venues, the hub is a free-to-use private room for good causes and non-profit organisations in need of meeting spaces.
Described by Loreburn Neighbourhood Officers as a ”major asset” for the community, the room holds approximately 12 people and features tea and coffee-making facilities and central power points.
Loreburn has previously used the enclosed space to host their popular ‘Coffee and Catch up’ sessions, bingo afternoons and one-on-one meetings.
Tamara continued: “We all want to live in safe, vibrant, and thriving communities, and positive tenant engagement can go a long way to making that happen.
“Having a common meeting place keeps us actively engaged in what’s going on in our neighbourhoods, strengthens neighbourly bonds, and encourages tenants to speak their minds.”
The funds will be donated to charity Together for Short Lives, which was chosen as Morrisons charity partner until October 2024.
The partnership is raising vital funds for children’s hospices across the UK, as well as helping families make precious memories, and reaching even more families caring for a seriously ill child.
Myra Smith, Morrisons Dumfries Community Champion, said: “On behalf of Morrisons, we would like to thank Loreburn for their generous donation to our charity partner Together for Short Lives.
“The money is being donated to Robin House Children’s Hospice, in Balloch, and has been greatly appreciated.
“We look forward to working with Loreburn throughout the year.”
Myra has invited anyone interested in booking the space to email
[email protected]