BEAR Scotland has donated £1,000 to Fresh Start Borders, a charity based in Selkirk that is dedicated to making up starter packs for homeless people moving into their first permanent accommodation.

BEAR Scotland manages and maintains trunk roads in the South East of Scotland on behalf of Transport Scotland. Their Media and Communications Officer, Chris Waite, nominated Fresh Start Borders as part of the local charity initiative, which focuses on supporting local causes within the communities where BEAR Scotland operates. All staff are given the opportunity to nominate local charities which are important to them. It is the fourth charity to benefit from the initiative this year.

Iain Murray, BEAR Scotland’s Managing Director said: “Homelessness has been rising since 2020 and it is vital that people have access to the essentials when they are able to get a house so they can get themselves on their feet. The volunteers at Fresh Start Borders are doing a great job and we are glad to support them in their efforts.”

Chris recently met with some of the Fresh Start Borders volunteers after the charity received its £1,000 donation.

Christine Sharpe, Fresh Start Borders Secretary, said: “Studies have shown that when people have the necessities it makes moving into their first permanent home more successful. We will be able to buy more electrical goods with the funds from BEAR Scotland as we cannot use second-hand ones. Every starter pack includes a kettle, a toaster and a microwave.

“We are so grateful to BEAR Scotland for choosing us to be the recipients of the money.”

https://freshstartborders.org.uk/