The Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club has received a donation to help those in the community struggling from self-isolation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The group received a grant from the Home Instead Senior Care Bring Joy Foundation.

Their ‘Keep Busy, Keep Active’ campaign was set up to help seniors who are isolated keep busy with puzzles and colouring-in sheets.

Councillor Donald L Reid, who is secretary and honorary president of Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club, received the donation on behalf of the group and was “delighted” to receive the funding from the Bring Joy Foundation.

Hed said: “After receiving the grant money, my wife and I went around to different outlets to get a number of puzzle books, and magazines.

“We put the items into bags along with a packet of biscuits, sweets, a pen, and a letter, and delivered them to isolated seniors living in Dalry, Kilbirnie, Barrmill, Burnhouse, Ardrossan, Kilwinning and surrounding rural areas.”

He added: “The gifts did bring a smile to many faces as people love getting unexpected surprises.

“I can’t thank the Bring Joy Foundation enough for their kindness and for helping others at a difficult time and making them smile.”

Penny Hamer, executive director of the Bring Joy Foundation said, “By providing mentally stimulating activities, we aim to reduce feeling of loneliness and keep people mentally and physically active until they are able to socialise once more.

“We are delighted to be able to support the Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club at this time to bring a little happiness to those who might be in isolation.”

If any other groups are interested in receiving a grant to help support seniors during this time, they should visit the Bring Joy Foundation website: https://www.bringjoyfoundation.org/

The charity is also looking for donations to support more community groups and isolated seniors.

To donate, visit https://justgiving.com/campaign/homeisolati

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