Local projects vie for share of kirk-backed fund
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ELGIN residents are invited to vote for projects they would like to see receive funding through a Kirk-backed participatory budgeting initiative.
Pitches from 14 local community projects will be given during an open event at St Giles and St Columba's South Church's Williamson Hall on Friday, September 6, from 10.30am-3.30pm.
Locals who gather at the hall, which is situated next to St Columba's South Church on Elgin's Duff Avenue, will be able to cast their votes for the projects they would like to see winning between £250-£500. The 14 projects include a dementia club, a nursery group, a food bank, and garden and cookery classes.
There will be a mixture of new and existing projects which all aim to address the needs of the community.
Doors will open at 10.30am when locals can meet representatives from the projects before making their final choices.
Minister Deon Oelofse said: "I have found the whole process is a journey of discovery for our congregation and myself.
"I discovered a whole new dimension as we engaged with different charities in this process. We hope that this can lead to new networks and possibilities between the church and the community."
Clare Flenley, the Church of Scotland’s participatory budgeting (PB) development worker, said seven churches have already participated in running four PB events so far this year.
That includes similar sessions which have played out in Lhanbryde and Speyside.
She said: "By the end of 2019, over £33,000 will have been distributed to community projects through the scheme."
Around 717 local people have voted and 36 projects have been funded.
"The 27 volunteers and church staff members who have organised the PB work in their areas have done an incredible job, working with fellow congregations and reaching out to community groups that are working in their areas to meet the needs of the community," Clare added.
Funding for the scheme has come from the Scottish Government’s Community Choices Fund and the Kirk’s Church and Society Council, with some churches adding additional funds to their community funding pots.
