Ending the year on a high note for good causes

A cheque for £1,000 to help the area’s most vulnerable was music to the ears for East Renfrewshire Good Causes founder Russell Macmillan.
By Gillian Loney
Published 9th Dec 2015, 11:00 BST

The charity received a substantial cheque from East Ren-based choir Sounds International, who performed at Garnethill Synagogue last month.

The charity concert was in aid of both ER Good Causes and the synagogue, an A-listed building only open to the public by special arrangement.

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Russell — who founded ERGC as a means of “giving back” following a life-saving double transplant — told The Extra: “My wife Yvonne and I went along to the concert, and we thought it was a fantastic sound from the singers — and the location and setting within the oldest synagogue in Glasgow was just a joy to experience.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to all involved. By acting in partnership with other groups and individuals, we hope to multiply this £1,000 into a greater sum of goods and services distributed in East Renfrewshire, to love more of our deserving neighbours.”

Eddie Binnie, founder of Sounds International, added: “We are delighted to have been able to give ERGC a sizeable sum of money and as charity begins at home, we aim to continue to help Russell and Yvonne whenever possible.”

The choir has one more charity fundraiser to come — a Christmas concert in Netherlee Church on December 15, in aid of Callum’s Causes for Yorkhill Children’s Charity.

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Callum’s Causes was set up in memory of four-year-old Callum Lally, who died while at Netherlee Nursery.

The Williams Jazz Quartet and children from Netherlee Primary’s P7 choir will also perform at the event, starting 7.30pm, and tickets are £10 (children free), available on the door.

Local businesses are also invited to sponsor a song for £100.

Musical director Eddie added: “In addition, Russell has indicated that ERGC always needs toiletries to give out at this time of year, the choir is setting up a facility at the church entrance where items like soap, toothpaste and shampoo can be donated on the night.

“Sounds International is hoping to fill every pew in the church, and end its fundraiser year on the highest note yet.”