Firm’s help ensures charity work continues

Jun 23 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

A HAMILTON firm came to the rescue after vandals trashed a Lanarkshire charity’s minibus.

The thugs smashed six windows on the vehicle, which belongs to Motherwell charity Clann Sona, who use the bus to transport tonnes of aid to help poverty-stricken people in various countries.

The vandalism could well have put the charity out of business but Hamilton firm Strathclyde Windscreens kindly came to the rescue at the weekend, supplying the replacement glass and carrying out the repairs free of charge.

Hugh Ferguson, chairman of Clann Sona, was overwhelmed with the help received from Strathclyde Windscreens.

He said this week: “The bus was targeted in an act of mindless vandalism and six windows were broken.

“This could have put us out of action because our funds are low at present and the repairs would have run into four figures.

“But June Prentice and her very efficient staff at Strathclyde Windscreens in Hamilton came to the rescue.

“We can't begin to say what all this very generous help means to us. Their kind act means we will be able to continue our charity work and help victims of poverty and abuse, both here and abroad.”

Clann Sona have been operating in Lanarkshire for 20 years, initially only planning to distribute one load to an orphanage in Romania.

Hugh added: “My niece Nicola inspired us to form Clann Sona. She went over to work in a Romanian orphanage in 1990 and 1991.

“On her return, her stories and pictures were heart-breaking so we collected a load of items and took it over in June 1992.

“That one load was all we hoped to do but the work has now gone on for 20 years and turned into 45 loads.

“Over the years, we have distributed to the poor in Africa, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia, Romania, Sri Lanka, and Russia. It’s remarkable.”

June Prentice, from Strathclyde Windscreens, said: “We were more than willing to help Clann Sona when we heard about the vandalism to their bus.

“We pulled together a team and the staff worked tremendously hard to get the job done, ensuring they were back on the road in no time.”

l The charity’s shop, in Merry Street, Motherwell, depends on donations and sales to survive.

Anyone who wishes to donate goods, including furniture, household goods and clothing, should contact the charity on 01698 265694.