An award-winning Moray adventure charity has been saved from closure following a successful fundraising campaign.
Staff at Outfit Moray feared the worst six months ago when it came under increasing operating pressures due to rising costs and reduced fundraising.
But yesterday chief executive Tony Brown said the organisation was now in a “much better place.”
The Lossiemouth-based charity has helped 14,000 children by running various outdoor activities since it launched more than a decade ago.
And in recent months it has launched several new initiatives to help provide it with a more regular source of income including setting up a clothing bank outside its property on Short Street and a introducing a monthly lucky number draw which is growing in popularity.
Staff also hope £5,000 will be raised from a 100km Cairngorm to coast hike and bike event.
Karen Cox, who works as the community and corporate fundraiser at the charity, praised the efforts of the public.
She said: “In the current financial climate, fundraising is always going to be difficult and finding different ways to generate income is a challenge, but it’s been great to have the support of so many people and the local companies who help facilitate our larger events.
“The kind donation of a week in a holiday cottage enabled us to run an online raffle and raised over £1,200, opportunities like that are incredible and make a huge difference to the young people we support.”
With the growth in fundraising and the receipt of several grants, including £9,000 from Awards for All, Outfit Moray is now confident it can make up the deficit and be in a much safer position this winter.
Chief executive Tony Brown thanked those who had made the turnaround possible.
He said: “Thanks to the very generous support from the people of Moray and the hard work of our staff and volunteers, Outfit Moray is definitely in a much better place that it was six months ago.
“Outfit Moray can provide a range of services for local businesses, such as first aid courses, event first aid cover, team building days and assistance with becoming a certified cycle friendly employer, and by using Outfit Moray for these services you are not only guaranteeing yourself a first-class service, but you are also helping provide outdoor learning and adventure opportunities for young people across Moray, particularly those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable.”
