Fast food giant, McDonald's, has made a significant contribution to two local community organisations.
Together with their franchisee Alan Halliday, the restaurants in Coatbridge, Bellshill and Motherwell donated £13k to Albion Rovers Community Trust and HOPE for Autism.
This money was raised by the new McDonald’s in the Community Foundation, utilising proceeds from the 10p carrier bag charge across Scotland.
HOPE for Autism, a charity supporting autistic children, young adults, and their families in North Lanarkshire, received £7,000 and Coatbridge football club Albion Rovers Community Trust received £6,000.
The community foundation was set up by 16 Scottish McDonald’s franchisees, and the 20 McDonald’s-owned restaurants in Scotland.
It provides a central hub to help distribute funds, raised by the 10p carrier bag charge, to different charities and organisations across Scotland.
Alan Halliday said: “Supporting our local community is of upmost importance to my team and me, which is why I was so pleased to see the McDonald’s in the Community Foundation officially launch this year.
"It means that each restaurant group can make meaningful contributions to charities in the communities that we operate in.
"HOPE for Autism and Albion Rovers Community Trust are two fantastic organisations, relied on by many local people and have been a staple in the community for many years. We’re so pleased to be able to help keep their great work going with this donation.”
Albion Rovers Community Trust aims to enhance life experience for people of all ages, abilities and social backgrounds in the Coatbridge area, via activities at no or low cost.
Ronnie Boyd, treasurer at the Trust said: “We were so pleased to receive the generous contribution from Alan and his team. At Albion Rovers Community Trust, we have a burning desire to make a positive contribution to our community.
"The vital funds will help us to deliver this support, by improving the experience for our community and expanding our offering for children with additional needs."
HOPE for Autism has been supporting families in the community of North Lanarkshire for 20 years. Its purpose is to make a positive difference to the lives of autistic children, young adults, and their families.
Carol Russell MBE, chairperson at the charity, said: “We’re so grateful to McDonald’s and Alan Halliday for this generous contribution – the funds will go towards supporting families throughout North Lanarkshire, providing activities and sports groups for young people, plus training for the wider community on autism.
"We look forward to continuing our partnership with McDonald’s and supporting the local community together.”
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