Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North (EVACN) in Forres raised £9,300 at a community coffee morning held to support the centre’s kitchen renovation. The final total was achieved through triple match-funding by The Macallan Distillery in Speyside, meaning every pound donated by the local community was tripled in value.
The event was supported by Jim Murdoch, an employee at The Macallan Distillery and the son of EVACN member Simon Murdoch. Jim helped organise the coffee morning and secured backing through Edrington, the company that owns The Macallan Distillery, which operates a scheme that triple-matches employee fundraising. The event initially raised £3,100, which was then matched to £9,300 through the scheme.
Centre members currently enjoy regular soup and sandwich lunches, but a new, fully functioning kitchen will create opportunities to expand and vary the menu, while also introducing cooking as an additional activity within the centre’s already busy social calendar.
Upgrading the EVACN kitchen will support veterans’ health and wellbeing, particularly those who live alone or face daily challenges, while continuing to provide a safe, welcoming space for friendship, routine, purpose, and support. Sharing freshly prepared meals in good company will make a meaningful difference to many members.
Shaun Moat, Chair of the Members Committee at EVACN, said, “This is about more than a kitchen. It’s about making sure no veteran walks out of here hungry or unseen. A warm meal and a bit of chat can pull you out of a dark place. I’m incredibly proud of what our members, volunteers, and supporters achieved, especially seeing the total raised more than triple last year’s amount.”
David Grant, Centre Manager at EVACN, added,“The generosity shown was outstanding. Every raffle prize, every home bake, and every cup of tea played a part. Thanks to this fundraising, we’ll be able to provide proper hot lunches on site, something our members have been asking for and will really benefit from.”
Michael Parkes, North Fundraising and Development Manager, said,“The total of £9,300 is transformational for a member-led project like this. With the support of Jim, Edrington, and everyone who came along, we can now move forward with the refurbishment and deliver what our veterans deserve, warmth, dignity, and support.”
Photo 1: Jim Murdoch presenting the cheque to Vice Chair Garry Burgess.
Photo 2: Jim Murdoch presenting the cheque to Julie Lockwood (Volunteer), Michael Parkes (Fundraising Manager North), Nicky Jones (Activities Co-ordinator), and Garry Burgess (Vice Chair of Members Committee).