Arnold Clark helps Columba 1400
5 Sept 2008
Arnold Clark Automobiles is proud to announce the donation of two Ford Transit 15-seater minibuses to the UK charitable organisation Columba 1400.
Currently headquartered at its Community and International Leadership Centre at Staffin on the Isle of Skye, the charity design and deliver world-class residential leadership development experiences to young people from ‘tough realities' and is thrilled to be receiving new transportation.
The official handover and maiden voyage of the two minibuses when young Columba 1400 graduates from Fraserburgh Academy made their way to the Isle of Skye to meet the First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP. Here they told the First Minister about all that they have achieved in their school and community since engaging with Columba 1400 in October 2007.
The inspirational Aberdeenshire teenagers have not only led the complete overhaul of their schools' values and motto but have also designed and delivered a leadership programme for their own teachers.
Taking delivery of the minibuses, Nicola Richards, Columba 1400's Chief Executive, expressed her joy at the generous donation from the motoring giant, "Having contacted several companies enquiring about the donation of two vehicles, but having no joy, we were unsure what to do next as our existing minibuses were becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. When we received a phone call from Arnold Clark to say they would be more than happy to help we were absolutely delighted."
Sir Arnold Clark, chairman and chief executive of Arnold Clark Automobiles was only too happy to help the inspirational Skye-based organisation, "With the fantastic work Columba 1400 undertake, I was only too delighted to donate two minibuses to them. Their work is invaluable and I hope our donation is a great help to the team and the young adults involved with Columba 1400."
Formed in 1997, Columba 1400 was founded and is chaired by Norman Drummond, former BBC National Governor and Chairman of the Broadcasting Council for Scotland. The charity's existence depends heavily on generous donors and it believes the donation from Arnold Clark will avoid funds being diverted from their core purpose.
