A local charity has been praised at the Scottish Parliament and it’s incredible work, to support vulnerable people is expected to be presented at Holyrood later this month.
Earlier in the year, Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw submitted a motion to fellow parliamentarians on the herculean efforts of East Renfrewshire Good Causes and it’s founder Russell MacMillan, to provide essential goods and services to people in memory of the sadly deceased organ donor who saved his life.
The charity was established in May 2007 and delivered it’s first support in August through the provision of a new wheelchair for use in assisting carers with a disability to go out for some respite.
In the period since the charity’s founding, East Renfrewshire Good Causes has distributed funds of more than £1.7 million to support over 6,000 people.
Mr MacMillan had the idea to start the charity when awaiting news about whether the pancreas and kidney transplant surgery he was required to receive had been successful.
In February, the motion was registered for a members business debate and it secured the necessary levels of cross-party support to be considered for parliamentary time amongst MSP’s.
Members business debates provide opportunities for MSP’s to highlight the work of outstanding organisations in their constituency or region, conclude without a vote and with a Ministerial response as part of the parliamentary proceedings.
The motion on East Renfrewshire Good Causes is provisionally scheduled to be heard on Tuesday 23rd May but subject to any unanticipated revisions to parliamentary business.
Jackson Carlaw MSP for Eastwood said:
“East Renfrewshire Good Causes is an outstanding local charity and I continue to be impressed by Russell’s selfless drive and determination to provide essential support to people in need.
“I was delighted to table a motion on the incredible efforts of East Renfrewshire Good Causes over the long-term and to ensure that the sustained provision of the charity for 16 years is properly commended at the national level.
“The total number of people that Russell and his team have been able to assist and on a very wide range of issues is simply remarkable.”
Founder and Project Coordinator of East Renfrewshire Good Causes, Russell MacMillan stated:
“The purpose of the charity is to deliver acts of kindness in memory of the organ donor who saved my life.
“East Renfrewshire Good Causes starts where the state stops and all money that is generously donated is used to provide practical support to people who find themselves in a difficult situation.
“In addition to East Renfrewshire, we now operate in a number of local authorities including Glasgow, South Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and East Ayrshire and it is fantastic that the charity has been recognised in this manner at the Scottish Parliament.”