Glasgow Airport donates over £170,000 to the local community
10 February 2012
In 2011, over 50 local charities and community groups received more than £170,000 in donations from Glasgow Airport's community funding programme.
The Glasgow Airport Flightpath Fund focuses its community investment in a number of areas including education, the environment, economic regeneration and sport, and some of the successful applicants in 2011 included Glasgow Youth Games, Govan Youth Information Project, Thorn Athletic Football Club and The Tree Amigos.
The FlightPath Fund is designed to ensure the communities surrounding the airport share in its success and community groups and charities in Renfrewshire, Glasgow and East and West Dunbartonshire are all eligible to apply for funding.
Amanda McMillan, managing director at Glasgow Airport, said: "We take great pride in the active role we play in the communities we serve and with over 50 groups benefiting from £170,000 in funding, 2011 was the most successful year to date for the FlightPath Fund.
"We established the fund in 2009 with the sole intention of providing financial support to those charities and community groups that are committed to improving the facilities and services available to local people. Since its launch I'm pleased to say the FlightPath Fund has received an astonishing number of applicants representing a wide range of fantastic projects.
"The fund's success is testament to the hard work and dedication of the committee members, who have devoted more time and effort than we ever anticipated or expected. I would urge any local charity or community group working in the field of education, environment, economic regeneration and sport and who would benefit from funding to contact the FlightPath Fund."
To ensure the funding targets communities near the airport, the FlightPath board consists of independent representatives from Renfrewshire, Glasgow, and East and West Dunbartonshire Councils.
Members of the board include Councillor William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council; Councillor Bill Binks, East Dunbartonshire Council; Councillor Paul Carey, Glasgow City Council and Councillor Iain Nicolson, Renfrewshire Council.
The committee also has representation from Glasgow Airport and the BAA Communities Trust, the airport owner's grant-making charity.
The board meets every two months under the chairmanship of accountant Archie Hunter, who brings considerable financial expertise to the role with previous positions including senior partner for KPMG (Scotland) and past president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Mr Hunter said: "We have the opportunity to make a difference for many good causes and we take that very seriously. In particular it is invigorating to help those who are trying to help themselves."
Glasgow councillor, Paul Carey, said: "The airport's Flightpath Fund is a terrific source of funding and has benefited a great number projects over the past year. As member of the FlightPath committee and as a local councillor I would encourage local groups seeking funding for community projects to get in touch with the FlightPath."
Councillor William Hendrie said: "Over the years, Glasgow Airport has provided funding for a host of projects in the Clydebank area, and last year a number of local groups received funding for some terrific projects.
"As a local councillor and as a member of the Flightpath board I have been able to experience first hand some of the fantastic work being carried out by local residents and more importantly the great community spirit shown when delivering those projects."
Councillor Bill Binks said: "At a time when charities and community groups are finding that raising money in the current financial climate is becoming more and more difficult, it is good to know that we, as representatives of Glasgow Flight Path Fund, can help in some small way by providing money for these worthy causes.
"What I find most encouraging is the tremendous support we get from Glasgow Airport and, what is very apparent, is their real enthusiasm and dedication to helping the local communities which sit under the flight path. Their continued success will ultimately mean more money available for good causes and I wish them every success in 2012 and beyond."
Councillor Iain Nicolson said: "As a member of the FlightPath board I see the hard work local residents put into projects that are clearly a priority for them and their communities. Therefore it is great when the fund recognises those efforts with a grant to help them achieve their goals and encourage community activity"
Commenting on the airport's funding programme, Derek Mackay MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, added: "These recent donations are fantastic contributions for the individual groups who applied and I'm delighted at the overall assistance Glasgow Airport have offered in the local area helping to improve communities and encourage a more upbeat environment.
"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those involved for the hard work and commitment in making the projects a success for the past few years and look forward to seeing more results in the future."
