We are delighted to have been chosen as one of PayPal’s Community Impact charities for the next year. And this week Laura Davies popped up to Edinburgh to visit the Trust and see first hand the work there support with help to fund. The visit included a brief walk down the river and a tour of the Centre – including inspecting waders and building flood walls in the exhibition
Each year, PayPal employees around the world select local nonprofits to receive grants of up to US$20,000. Nominated by staff in PayPal’s Edinburgh office, Water of Leith was put into an internal vote and won!! The award includes volunteer support from PayPal UK staff and a $20,000 grant to support sustainable projects across the Trust and the river.
Receiving support from businesses is a very important for the whole third sector but it definitely means more when we know this philanthropy has been chosen by the companies employees, as it means they know who we are and support the work that we do.
We have decided to spend this windfall in a number of ways all to help with the sustainable operation of our charity and boost the volunteer work we do on the river. So the plan at the moment is to spend around £3,000 on trees, plants, bulb, seeds and INNS treatment and £2,000 on volunteer resources (yes more waders, litter pickers, tools and gloves).
We will be putting around £6,000 towards a new electric van – our existing vehicle is old but has been an amazing work horse for us over the past 7 years – but it is becoming worn out and as a diesel not the most sustainable choice. In the new year we will be looking out for a good second-hand electric vehicle to see us through the next 7 years or more.
The Trust also plans to continue works at the centre, making our building more energy efficient and helping to make experiences for our visitors more comfortable and engaging. Among the improvement this year will be more led light, insulation, an ‘eco’ gift shop and updated seating.
We are excited to be working with PayPal this year, as we aim to encourage their staff to volunteer with us out on the river and also pick their brains as to how we can best use PayPal tools on our website.
Thank you PayPal
