Charity champion pensioner turns personal loss into £32,000 fundraiser for Strathcarron Hospice
Meet the people building a better community together, as they help raise tens of thousands of pounds for good causes.
When Malky Finlayson lost loved ones he was determined to use his creative talents to make a difference to the place that ‘gave them their dignity’ and allowed them to pass in peace.
He’s been hand-crafting beautiful wooden planters and ornamental trees and selling them for price of a donation to Strathcarron Hospice for many years now. Thanks in part to free materials from IBT Merchants in Grangemouth, he’s been able to raise an astonishing £32,000 for the hospice.
Malky, who has been married to “his glamourous assistant” Bella for the past 52 years, is a well kent face in Grangemouth, having lived there all his life. He’s been a plumber, a roofer and a fire security officer at the old ICI, but his retirement hobby is probably the one that gives him the most joy – supporting the “an amazing place” that makes a difference to so many.
We know all too well that everyone’s lives are touched by cancer. We were all really moved by Malky’s story, and wanted to help. What he has done is simply phenomenal.
After over 23 years at its base at Wood Street, Grangemouth, Gerry and the IBT team say they love being helping people, whether it’s good causes or for people to create a dream makeover of their home.
Gerry added: “We have 25 members of staff here and every single one has a connection of some kind to Strathcarron Hospice. We are proud to support Malky’s good work, and to give back to the local community.
“We started helping good causes eight years ago, and the number we help is increasing as we recognise our community needs help.”
Read what some of Malky’s fans say on Facebook here
As well as helping Malky with free supplies for his Strathcarron fundraising, IBT Merchants have also:
- Supported 15-20 initiatives every year, with up to £5,000 to £10,000 worth of materials.
- Donated 3 pallets of polythene to help people in Ukraine to build temporary accommodation during cold weather
- Provided four staff and a truck to help with Christmas tree collections for Strathcarron
- Supported the local Children’s Days with free or discounted materials.
- Supported Falkirk Football Club, Camelon Juniors and Dunipace Juniors
- Supported the Young People’s Theatre Club and Grangemouth Rotary
- Regularly donated £200-£300 to local events and initiatives
- Raised £2000 from a 10k run, which helped upgrade the Rotary Club’s Christmas Santa Sleigh.
Gerry added: “The people of Grangemouth and throughout the wider Falkirk area have been so supportive of IBT over the past 23 years, helping us grow into a well trusted brand. We are delighted to return the favour and help out where we can.”
IBT keeps a huge range of building and landscaping materials in stock, and has an outdoor garden makeover showroom to help you bring your ideas to life. Find out more here.