HELENSBURGH charitable organisations have benefited from a group of current and former submariners’ annual fund-raising drive.
Now into its seventh year, the Buddies in Boats have raised £300 for the Helensburgh and Lomond Autism Group and £500 for the Gareloch Riding for the Disabled Association, all without holding their annual fund-raising event.
The Annual Burgh Bash, which was supposed to be held in November, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but that didn’t stop the submariners’ group from raising cash for those who need it.
Gary Wilson from Buddies in Boats told the Advertiser: “We’re very disappointed the event has been cancelled, around 55 to 60 of us were due to come to the town during Remembrance weekend. This would have been our fifth bash, normally holding three separate events a year.
READ MORE: Submarine 'Buddies' help Helensburgh good causes
“It’s not been easy during these trying times, but we’ve raised money from some private donations, commission from the sale of T-shirts, Covid-19 masks, charity auction of submarine memorabilia and submarine scratch cards.
“Normally we raise most our money during the Bashes by having raffles and auctions etc.”
Since 2014 the group’s members have donated more than £33,000 to local organisations.
Helensburgh and Lomond Carers and Helensburgh Sea Cadets also received donations from the Buddies in Boats group.
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