SMTA raises £18,000 for three supported charities

£6,000 to be donated to each of its charity partners

The Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) is delighted to reveal it has raised £18,000 for three supported charities.

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA), Megan’s Space and SNAC (Scottish Network for Arthritis in Children) are all set to benefit from the proceeds.

£9,000 was raised during an auction and raffle at the SMTA’s annual dinner last October which was attended by nearly 400 guests.

That sum has now been boosted by matched funding from the trade body itself.

SMTA chief executive Alan Gall commented:

“My heartfelt thanks go out to the Scottish automotive community for the generosity shown in raising vital funds for these three deserving charities.

“The charities are voted for by our members and we support them for three years.  Everyone at SMTA was delighted to donate a similar sum to further support the life-saving crews of the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance and the teams of people at both SNAC and Megan’s Space.”

As the nation’s only charity air ambulance, SCAA plays a crucial role in responding to life-threatening accidents and medical emergencies across Scotland.

Criona Knight, director of development and engagement, said:

“We are so grateful for the wonderful fundraising efforts of the Scottish Motor Trade Association. The fuel needed to undertake a single mission costs around £300, so the generous donation from the Awards dinner of £6,000 is enough to pay for the fuel needed for 20 missions. We exist to make sure that no one dies because help doesn’t reach them in time, but we receive no money from government, instead relying on the generosity of Scottish people and businesses.”

SNAC supports children and young people living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and their families across Scotland.

Kirstin Weir, treasurer, commented:

“From the moment a child is diagnosed, our aim is to ensure families know they are not alone as they navigate the challenges of a long-term condition. The generous funds raised will help us create a welcoming and supportive space where newly diagnosed families can build friendships, share experiences and gain confidence in managing their child’s condition.”

Megan’s Space provide a range of services to children and young people, up to the age of 25, with their mental health well-being.

Rob Copeland, chief executive officer, said:

“The funds will support 24 young people with their mental wellbeing and will ensure that their families will sleep easier knowing that they have had the support they needed. The likely hood is this donation will have saved a couple of lives and we cannot thank the SMTA enough.”

The SMTA is Scotland’s largest automotive trade body with over 1,300 members.