Torrance staff hijack the Kilbryde Hospice Shop

Dec 12 2012 by Lynda Nicol, East Kilbride News

The Torrance Hotel were the latest East Kilbride business to take on the Kilbryde Hospice’s Shop Hijack.

A team of 10 staff from the recently refurbished hotel hijacked the Kilbryde Hospice Shop on Wednesday with the aim of beating the shop’s normal daily takings.

Staff from the historic 230-year-old hotel raised £738.96 on the day by selling home-baking and tombola tickets; and raised a few eyebrows with their impromptu ‘Gangnam Style’ dance routine.

Garrie Ross, general manager with The Torrance Hotel, explained: “The Hospice Shop Hijack main aim was to raise money for Kilbryde Hospice.

“We wanted to put a smile on the faces of the shoppers as well.

“I think we managed that.”

And Garrie, keen to put his money where his mouth is, was encouraged to join the female members of staff in the energetic ‘Gangnam Style’ dance routine.

Garrie said: “I could hardly expect the younger staff to take part without joining in.”

Louize Hollywood, wedding and events coordinator and organiser of the Hospice Shop Hijack, added: “We had a fantastic time at the Hospice Shop Hijack.

“We’re pleased we raised so much more and are already planning activities for next year.

“Whilst the DJ and dance routine might have seemed like a bit of fun, we were keen to showcase the Kilbryde Hospice Shop to a wider audience.

“If one person turned round and saw the Kilbryde Hospice logo or ventured into the shop for the first time, then it’s all been worth it.

“The Kilbryde Hospice Shop is not your typical charity shop and everyone at The Torrance Hotel is proud to be raising funds for South Lanarkshire’s hospice.”

Stuart Glen, fundraising manager with Kilbryde Hospice, was quick to praise the fundraising efforts of The Torrance Hotel staff.

He said: “The team from The Torrance Hotel raised an impressive amount on their Hospice Shop Hijack – nearly double the normal daily takings for the shop.

“The Hospice Shop Hijacks have proved very popular this year.

“The six companies who have already taken part – Freescale Semiconductor, The East Kilbride Pirates, The Holiday Inn East Kilbride, The Department for International Development, EDF Energy and now The Torrance Hotel – have raised a staggering total of £7,775 from Hospice Shop Hijacks this year.

“We are now looking forward to seeing what next year, when work will start on building the new hospice, will bring.”