An Aberdeenshire social enterprise has celebrated its first decade of being “at the heart of the community”.
Staff at Inverurie’s Acorn Centre decided right back when they opened in 2008 that they would not take customer tips, and instead donate them to local causes. The total, over the last 10 years, has amassed £45,000.
Based in Inverurie West Parish Church, the centre comprises of a cafe, fairtrade shop and library space.
Rev Rhona Cathcart, said: “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to ‘recycle’ the generosity of the community in this way.
“I love the fact that even during leaner times, no one has ever suggested stopping the small grants scheme.
“Our commitment to the local community remains strong even as we reach out beyond our walls in other ways.
“Every year the cheques are presented at a ‘volunteer thank you evening’ where those who give up their time freely to help others are served a meal by the management team.”
Money left for staff in the cafe has helped a wide range of different organisations including playgroups, Scouts, music and gardening groups.
People in sheltered housing complexes and cancer care support services have also benefited from the generosity of hard working café volunteers – with a total of £4,400 in small grants awarded to 16 organisations this year to date.
A special party to mark the centre’s anniversary was held, and Rev Cathcart said it was still “abuzz” with community spirit a decade on.
She added: “People get to know each other around the ‘family table’, or browse the gallery of local artwork which changes every month, and buy fairly traded food and crafts and find some quiet space upstairs or catch up with the local news.
“Regulars are greeted by name and treated as one of the family, and everyone is given a warm welcome by the all-age volunteers who do most of the serving.”