'We are extremely grateful': Funding boost for Brora Toy Library from Jennifer's Fund
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Brora Toy Library is being given a £500 donation from Jennifer’s Fund, set up by Highland windows manufacturer Cairngorm Group.
Lynne Doherty, a teacher at Golspie Primary School who heads the group of mums who have set up the toy library, said: "This is a fantastic boost to enable us to order new equipment and we’re extremely grateful.”
Jennifer’s Fund was established several months ago in memory of Jennifer McBurnie, who died last year. She was the daughter of group chairman David Dowling and sister of joint managing directors Chris and Scott Dowling.
“We’re a toddler group for up to school age," explained Lynne. “And we run a series of activities to support social and motor skills development and improve their coordination. It’s a very popular project.
“Parents can borrow a toy from our lending library for up to several weeks. This can save them purchasing one – or allow them to see if their child likes it before perhaps buying one.
“In our weekly sessions in Brora Community Centre, the children particularly enjoy our soft play shapes area. But our equipment has suffered from wear and tear so it’s a real tonic to use the Cairngorm donation to order replacements, including a slide and steps.”
Lynne added: “Covid brought a halt to our activities but everyone is now delighted to meet up again. We have around 15 mums bringing their children every week and we’ve a five-strong committee running things, who are delighted by the Cairngorm gesture.”
Chris Dowling said: "This is our second donation from Jennifer’s Fund and we’re very pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile village initiative.”
Cairngorm, which makes its windows in its own manufacturing facility in Inverness, employs 110 people and has shops in Thurso and Elgin.
