An East Renfrewshire charity has been formally commended in a debate amongst MSP’s.
In a Scottish Parliament motion brought forward by Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw, local charity East Renfrewshire Good Causes and it’s founder, Russell MacMillan received well deserved recognition from parliamentarians for raising over £1.7 million and supporting more than 6,000 people.
Mr Carlaw highlighted the range of supports that East Renfrewshire Good Causes has helped to finance in the 16 years of it’s existence including wet floor shower adaptations for vulnerable and elderly people, baby monitoring equipment for infants with complex medical needs and play spaces and equipment for young people with additional support needs.
The Eastwood MSP also relayed observations from Russell that the charity does not have difficulty in raising funds but can be met with obstacles when seeking referrals to provide support.
The Scottish Government Minister who spoke during the debate said that he would now look into the issues raised on pathways for referrals to charities.
In May 2007, Mr MacMillan started the charity in memory of the organ donor who saved his life and after receiving pancreas and kidney transplant surgery.
Founder and Project Coordinator of East Renfrewshire Good Causes, Russell MacMillan said:
“It was fantastic to visit the Scottish Parliament and to hear the kind words of MSP’s about the work carried out by the charity.
“I was very pleased to hear Jackson also highlight the issues we can experience with the flow of information when seeking referrals to provide support and as part of our ongoing efforts to assist as many people as possible.
“I am grateful to the Minister for confirming he will consider the concerns that were raised.”
Scottish Conservative MSP for Eastwood, Jackson Carlaw added:
“It is absolutely extraordinary that from the serious health complications Russell experienced, he thought not of himself but instead how to use the life he had been given from the organ donor to help other people in need.
“It was an immense privilege to commend the incredible efforts of East Renfrewshire Good Causes to my parliamentary colleagues and to welcome Russell and his wife Yvonne to Holyrood on the day.”