Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce supporters dig deep to boost anti-poverty group coffers

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce supporters have come together to contribute to the funds of an anti-poverty group, as reported by Ayrshire Live. The members of the Chamber, along with their associates, raised a total of £2500 for Christians Against Poverty (CAP)’s Ayr and Irvine centres, which provide free debt advice to local residents. CAP’s annual report has highlighted a concerning debt crisis faced by many households in Scotland.

According to CAP’s findings, the average debt owed by clients in Scotland exceeded £10,500, with nine different creditors pursuing payments. Nearly 40% of the arrears were classified as priority debts, including essentials like Council Tax and rent arrears. Alan McLaren, the Community Links Coordinator at Christians Against Poverty, expressed gratitude towards Ayrshire Chamber for their support in raising awareness about the free debt advice services available in the region.

Claire Baird, the Chief Executive of Ayrshire Chamber, presented the donation to Alan McLaren at a recent event. She emphasised the Chamber’s commitment to assisting the local community and expressed pride in contributing to such a worthy cause. By supporting CAP’s work, the donation aims to help those struggling with debt during these challenging times.

Generosity from the attendees of the 2024 Ayrshire Business Awards dinner made this significant donation possible. For individuals dealing with personal debt issues, CAP provides a freephone number (0800 328 0006) for assistance.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Christians Against Poverty highlights the importance of community support in addressing pressing societal issues like poverty and debt. The donation serves as a testament to the collective impact that can be achieved when organisations and individuals unite for a common cause.