Auldhouse Primary appeal for help

Mar 24 2010 by Lynda Nicol, East Kilbride News

PUPILS at Auldhouse Primary are hoping for a little magic this spring – but they need your help.

Turning old clothes into essential classroom equipment and educational outings sounds like a neat trick, but the children at the small rural school reckon they can pull it off – with a little help from their friends.

Thanks to a textile recycling company, a local retail park and the support of people across East Kilbride, hundreds of pounds could be raised for school funds.

Auldhouse Primary now has its own bright yellow textile recycling bank, situated at the St James Retail Park in Hairmyres.

It is supplied by Recatex, a Glasgow company with East Kilbride connections, who have been organising school collections and textile banks for around six years.

Owner Gordon Fraser, who lives in East Kilbride, explained: “The school textile banks have proved very popular, as it’s a great way of raising money for your school with very little effort!

“All you have to do is deposit your old clothes and unwanted textiles into the bank and we will empty it once a week, and send the school a cheque once a month.

“Some schools have made around £200 a month – a really significant sum which can make a big difference to the pupils.”

Karen Douglas, acting head teacher of Auldhouse Primary, said: “This is a simple and practical way to support school funds, engaging the wider community and raising the profile of the school in the local area.

“Well done to the parent council for all their hard work in making this possible.”

She added: “We’re grateful to Mr Kean for his support in allowing us to site the bank at the St James Retail Park.”

The St James Retail Park is the town’s newest shopping and entertainment complex, with a range of businesses including bars, restaurants, fast food outlets and other shops.

Auldhouse Primary’s textile bank is located in the car park opposite the row of shops which is home to Chillies, Pegs and Adio’s chip shop.