Avenue cash boost for ER Good Causes

ER Good Causes — which funds good deeds for the area’s most vulnerable residents — was set up by Newton Mearns man Russell Macmillan in 2007 following a life-saving double transplant, as a means of “giving back” to the community.

The Avenue in Newton Mearns has long supported the cause, and the money raised by the centre will go towards the ERGC wish list.

The wish list is a list of projects drawn up by Russell in the style of a Christmas list, as he issued an appeal for East Ren residents to fund or part-fund much-needed items to a total of £15,000.

To Russell’s delight, generous donations came in throughout the festive period — and The Avenue’s support marks another boost for East Renfrewshire residents most in 
need.

Russell — who puts his efforts down to his Christian beliefs — told The Extra: “There is no greater pleasure in life than to love your neighbour.

“But in order to do that in a modern society, you need support to come from all sections of the community.

“This is a very welcome £1,000 donation towards the ER Good Causes wish list from The Avenue, which brings shoppers and businesses together in aid of the many differing needs of our neighbours.

“Whether it’s helping pensioners with dementia, adults with cancer or Down’s Syndrome, or kids with autism — by supporting ERGC, you get to reach everyone in need of a neighbourly helping hand, so I would like to thank The Avenue for their continuing support.”

Centre manager Michelle McCabe commented: “On behalf of the Avenue, I’m delighted to present Russell with a cheque — the latest donation we’ve been able to make to our nominated charity partner over recent years.

“The Avenue has a long and proud tradition of raising funds for charitable causes thanks to the generosity of the people of East Renfrewshire, and we look forward to continuing our support of ER Good Causes over the coming year.”

Russell, who celebrated the seventh anniversary of his successful pancreas and kidney transplant this week, added: “Without those two organs living on inside me, ER Good Causes would not exist.

“I hope the donor is looking down with pleasure, in seeing the good that has been done through this second gift of life.”

To find out more about the charity, visit www.ergoodcauses.co.uk.

Donations can also be made by calling Russell on 639 8230 or sending a cheque to ER Good Causes, 8 Blackfarm Road, Newton Mearns G77 5HT.

nAre you raising money for charity? Get in touch with Gillian (email address above) to share your fundraising tale and you could feature in next week’s Extra.