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Rio Tinto Alcan launches new community fund in the Highlands
Wed 18 Aug 2010
Amidst a tough economic climate, Rio Tinto Alcan is offering a helping hand to cash-strapped volunteer and charity organisations in the Highlands, with the launch of its new Community Fund, supported by the Scottish Community Foundation.
Rio Tinto Alcan’s Lochaber Smelter has played a key role in the Fort William area as a major employer for many years, and has already administered thousands of pounds in donations to dozens of good causes which include Lochaber Deaf Care, Kinlochleven Community Trust, Lochaber Bowling Club, Highland Hospice and more!
To help change lives for the better, the company will now offer donations through the new Fund, ensuring important local projects continue to flourish despite the recession.
Chris Murray, works director of Rio Tinto Alcan, said: “Smaller charities have been hit hard by the recession meaning many are finding it increasing difficult to find support for their activities.
“We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of our new Community Fund with help from the Scottish Community Foundation.
“This will add to our community engagement activity and will offer even more support to local people in a more streamlined way. The new application procedure means we will now be able to reach as many good causes in the area as possible.”
With a long track record of supporting the local community, Lochaber Smelter contributed over £16,000 of funds towards good causes in 2009 and over £13,000 in 2008.
To kick-off the new Fund, the Lochaber Agricultural Society is the first organisation which will benefit from a £500 cash donation. The money will help the group organise the annual Lochaber Show which will be held at Inverlochy Castle.
Giles Ruck, Scottish Community Foundation chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be working with Rio Tinto Alcan. We look forward to finding excellent local charities and local community groups to benefit from this new fund. The Foundation is always keen to work with corporate clients to help them support projects in the areas they have business interests.”
The new Fund will be administered by the Scottish Community Foundation to local community groups who can apply online for help towards specific projects.
As well as financial support, applying organisations and individuals will also benefit from expert knowledge and advice on how to achieve additional funding support going forward.
Organisations can apply online at www.scottishcf.org/riotintoalcan
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Picture caption:
Chris Murray, Works Director of Rio Tinto Alcan, (left) officially launched the Rio Tinto Alcan Community Fund with Giles Ruck, Chief Executive of the Scottish Community Foundation
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