More than £42,000 was raised at the first event of the Touch a Life, Make a Difference 2024 charity initiative.

Led by Provost Margaret Cooper, it will encourage fundraising for local good causes in South Lanarkshire.

It was agreed at a previous meeting of the Council that the first beneficiary of the new initiative will be Kilbryde Hospice.

And at a Burns Supper event, £42,000 was raised thanks to a series of charity auctions, raffles, and donations.

The initiative sees an innovative partnership between the Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire’s office and the Provost’s Office.

Provost Cooper said: “I was overwhelmed by the generosity of businesses and individuals, including community organisations. People responded with donations, auction prizes, raffle prizes and then further purchased these by bidding in the auction or buying tickets.

“Special thanks go to Lord Lieutenant Lady Susan Haughey, and Deputy  Lieutenant David Russell DL , who were instrumental in helping me organise the whole event.

“The Banqueting Hall at council HQ was packed, and as well as raising a fantastic amount for a terrific cause, the feedback from everyone who contacted me after the event was that they had a wonderful evening. All performers donated their time and input free.

“We will be publicising the efforts of people all over South Lanarkshire who have raised money in the coming weeks and months, as well as giving more details with regards future events. David and I have set an ambitious target of £100,000 for 2024. If you think you can help, even in a small way, contact the Provost’s Office with your ideas or details or donation by email or by calling 01698 454 910.

“My wholehearted thanks once again to everyone who contributed, and this is just the start – let’s all work together over the coming year to raise a huge amount for Kilbryde Hospice.”

As well as supporting and raising funds for local charities, the Touch a Life, Make a Difference initiative will also establish a South Lanarkshire Council Roll of Honour for Local Fundraising, which will recognise the input of local schools, nurseries, sports organisations, communities and everyone who fundraises for the chosen charity that year.

A civic reception will be held to honour local fundraisers included in the Roll of Honour.

Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Lady Haughey CBE and South Lanarkshire Council Provost Margaret Cooper are pictured along with piper David Stark.

Having a large family around you is the secret to 60 years of marriage according to John and Agnes McNab.

Every month the Lieutenancy attends Citizenship Ceremonies in North and South Lanarkshire Council .

Earlier in March the Ceremony to welcome new citizens to North Lanarkshire , hosted by Depute Provost , Councillor Bob Burgess was attended by Deputy Lieutenant Terry Currie DL .

Many congratulations to Lanark couple Bob and Lynn Twaddle who recently celebrated 60 years of marriage .

Deputy Lieutenant , Bill Tennant DL visited the happy couple , passing on congratulations from Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Lady Haughey CBE whilst South Lanarkshire Council presented flowers and a certificate .

On 27th March 2024 Vice Lord-Lieutenant Gavin Whitefield CBE  DL  presented the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to the Airdrie Community School Clothing Bank  .The photograph shows Gavin  presenting the prestigious award to Kirsty Taggarty  , the co-founder and chair  of the organisation which was established in 2019 to empower families in need to help themselves through the reuse and recycling of school uniforms . Continue reading →

Deputy Lieutenant Derrick Hannan DL recently presented the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to the Kieran McDade Foundation .The photograph shows Mr Hannan presenting the prestigious award to Mr Martin Holmes , the co-founder of the organisation which was set up in memory of a young footballer Kieran McDade who tragically died during a training session from a cardiac arrest . Kieran played for Dunbeth Football Club based in Monklands .

The club set up the Foundation in Kieran’s memory raising many thousands of pounds through holding a wide range of events . The money has been used to purchase defibrillators and these have been freely given to numerous youth football teams within Lanarkshire and the wider central Scotland area . The Foundation has also provided training in the use of defibrillators to over 20,000 people .

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS)  is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the United Kingdom for outstanding work in their local communities .

On 22nd February 2024 , the citizenship ceremony to welcome new citizens to South Lanarkshire , hosted by Provost Margaret Cooper, was attended by Deputy Lieutenant Derrick Hannan DL  . Continue reading →