Galashiels McDonald’s restaurant, owned and operated by local Franchisee Graham Angus, has made a significant contribution to local charity, Borders Additional Needs Group. Thanks to the collective efforts of the McDonald’s team, the organisation received a donation of £12,500.
Borders Additional Needs Group, founded in 2003, is an OSCR Registered Charity based in Scottish Borders for families with an Additional Support Need (ASN) Child or Young Person. Not only does the charity help families but it also encourages young people to live up to their full potential.
The donation from McDonald’s will be contributing towards the delivery of a family ASN summer camp and three days residential for young people with an ASN/ who are Neurodivergent.
The donation was made possible by the ‘McDonald’s in the Community Foundation’, set up by 16 Scottish McDonald’s Franchisees, and the 20 McDonald’s-owned restaurants in Scotland. The foundation provides a central hub to help distribute funds, raised by the 10p carrier bag charge, to different charities and organisations across Scotland.
Local McDonald’s Franchisee, Graham Angus, who owns and operates four restaurants in Scotland, said: “We’re proud to support Borders Additional Needs Group with this donation. Being part of the local community means showing up for each other, and initiatives like this make a real difference in people’s lives. We hope this contribution helps more individuals take part in the charity’s activities and supports the team in continuing their incredible work.”
Pauline Charles, CEO at Borders Additional Needs Group, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the McDonald’s Galashiels team for their generous donation and their support. This funding will make a real difference in helping us grow and sustain the services we offer to local families. In particular, it will support the delivery of a unique UNCRC-themed summer camp for families across the Scottish Borders who are caring for ASN and neurodivergent children. The camp will benefit over 100 people each week, providing inclusive experiences and much-needed support. Their backing means a great deal to everyone involved in our work, and we are incredibly grateful.”
In 2024, proceeds from the 10p carrier bag charge were used to donate £2 million from Scottish McDonald’s restaurants, which was shared across 130 charities.
