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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Nicola Garscadden

Lifeline East Kilbride charity replace vandalised window after huge fundraising drive

A charity who help some of the most vulnerable and needy have replaced a smashed window at their East Kilbride base after a huge fundraising drive.

The vandalism earlier this year at the Share Alike Community Hub and Cafe in the town centre left them counting the cost - with a repair bill of more than £3000.

But after an appeal page was set up by a supporter of the charity and a successful fundraising night was held, the new front window was installed this week.

The South Lanarkshire Glazing Co. came to the rescue fitting the window at a reduced cost for the charity.

Founding volunteer of Share Alike, Annmarie Campbell, told Lanarkshire Live : "We are absolutely delighted to have the new window installed.

"The guys at South Lanarkshire Glazing Co. were fantastic and gave us a fantastic price.

"With the window repaired and the money raised through the appeal and fundraising night, we are a long way towards our target now, which is staying open throughout the winter for everyone who needs us.

"There is more demand for our services than ever and closing our doors isn't an option - although we have come close more then once.

"We truly can't thank everyone enough - all the businesses and people who have supported us."

Annmarie faced a last-minute glitch, however, when cash donated to the gofundme page for the new window was returned to those who donated.

But after Lanarkshire Live got in touch gofundme returned the money to the the value of what was donated - saying there had been an error on their part and apologised for any inconvenience.

"It was a worry when I started getting phone calls saying that money had been returned to those who donated - I needed to pay the guys no matter what," Annmarie added.

"But, thankfully, we received a donation from gofundme to the value of what was refunded and all is now well. Thank you to Lanarkshire Live for their help in resolving the problem."

Volunteers were distraught when the window at their base was smashed - but the repair has been carried out (Stuart Vance/ReachPlc)

Share Alike provides support to those who need it the most through food parcels, crisis clothing packs, new home and baby starter packs, mental health packs and a community larder and cafe.

The charity is now feeding at least 321 people a week, an increase from the end of March of 268 people a week - and a jump of nearly 20 per cent in just a few months.

They and partner organisations recently launched the East Kilbride Christmas Kindness Campaign which aims to ensure everyone in East Kilbride gets the joy of a gift this year.

And they are also offering a free lunch on Christmas day for anyone who would otherwise be alone. Tickets are available from the Share Alike Community Cafe, located on 4 Cornwall Way in East Kilbride, free of charge, to ensure space on the day.

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