A charitable fund set up on the back of the popular GlasGLOW event in the West End has handed over a new minibus to children in north Glasgow.
Event organisers itison presented the keys to the £25,000 Ford Transit 460 van to Highpark Primary School LCR (learning and communication resource) in Ruchill.
The vehicle will enable children with special educational needs to access a range of activities across the city to help with their development and enjoyment.
The donation has come from itison’s GlasGLOW Pumpkin Fund which was launched at Glasglow in October and saw people donate £2,500 at the event.
The remainder has been donated directly by itison as part of its commitment to do more good in the communities it works in.
Sixteen children who attend the LCR at the school have complex sensory processing needs and it is imperative they are able to take part in a range of activities to develop their sensory processing abilities including hand eye coordination, play and social development and physical capabilities.
'Such joy'
The school minibus reached the end of its life in October and itison and the Pumpkin Fund stepped in to raise funds for a new bus.
Oli Norman, CEO of itison, said: “It gives me such joy for itison to be able to contribute to the local communities where we live and work.
"This will enable the kids to get out and about and explore their community and beyond and it will have a massive impact on making life better and easier for the kids who use it.
"I’m looking forward to hearing about their adventures in the years to come.
“With every major itison event, we want to increase our positive impact on the community, and with GlasGLOW 2020 we hope to do even more.”
The minibus is a 17-seater white Ford Transit and cost £24,750 plus VAT.
Councillor Allan Gow said: “What a wonderful early Christmas present from Itison! ?I cannot thank them enough for their Pumpkin Appeal and for providing this mini bus for pupils to use.
"It will make a real difference to their ability to get out and about.”
itison worked with the National Autistic Society to produce a Sensory Guide for GlasGLOW which was very well received by the community.
Over 1,000 tickets to Glasglow were donated to local community groups.
Tens of thousands of visitors enjoyed the spectacular show of lights and sound at the city's Botanic Gardens.
