We are delighted to announce the Scottish Wheelchair Curling Association (SWCA) as our chosen charity for our Charity Fundraising Programme (CFP). The SWCA co-ordinates, develops and promotes wheelchair curling among people with a disability in Scotland.
We spoke to Alison Hopkins, Chair of the SWCA about the work that they are doing
“The SWCA supports all wheelchair curling clubs and is responsible for promoting and running the 3 major wheelchair competitions – Scottish Championships, National Pairs and British Open. We also work closely with Scottish Curling to promote Wheelchair Curling to new members.”
Our CFP aims to assist charity’s in their quests and we are delighted to be supporting a charity very close to our hearts. We asked Alison what the SWCA are hoping to achieve through the help of the programme;
“We are delighted and excited to have been chosen to work with BCS on the new programme. Over the last few years due to the cost of living crisis it is becoming more difficult for our curlers to be able to afford to compete in these competitions. We are looking to award grants for curlers to help with travel and hotel accommodation as well as reducing the entry fees which have had to increase by 40% over the last few years as the cost of hiring ice at the rinks has significantly increased. Many of our curlers rely on benefits for daily living and can no longer afford to compete. For many this is the only social interaction that they have and this could affect their mental health if they can no longer mix with their curling peers.
We would hope that we can promote wheelchair curling to a wider audience – some of our clubs are struggling to get new members and maybe some of your customers might know someone who maybe didn’t realise that you can curl with a disability, any of your customers can contact us if they know of anyone who is disabled and might be interested in trying curling.”
Tom Pendreigh, BCS Owner gave his thoughts on the new programme;
“Giving something back into something you have gained a positive experience from. That sums up this latest venture.
British Curling Supplies have always had the ethic of giving something back to our great sport. We have supported many events, teams and individuals over the years, not to mention the relationship we have with our National Governing Body, Scottish Curling and the incentives and support we provide them and ultimately their members.
I was involved with Sports Scotland as a coach for many years supporting teams at the men’s Worlds and Europeans, Uni Games and Paralympics. So to have the Scottish Wheelchair Association as our first Charity in this venture feels just right and really rewarding.”
BCS customers can opt to donate to the SWCA via our checkout when purchasing another product.