Help us to help them

Pennies from the heavens      

By Sarah Johnson

ON WEDNESDAY, Thomas Cook handed over a cheque for £7272.45 at Glasgow Airport — giving The Sunday Post CHAS Appeal pennies from the heavens.
Four years ago, Glasgow-based cabin crews were asked to vote for a charity they wanted to raise money for — and the unanimous decision was CHAS.
From then on, every Thomas Cook flight to and from Glasgow has asked passengers to put unwanted foreign coins in envelopes provided.

From left, stewardess Michelle Harper, 
Colin McCredie, George Blundell- Pound, 
CHAS representative Shona Cardle and 
stewardess Charlene Walker.

The idea really took off and it’s amazing how the change that clinks in the depths of our pockets mounts up.
George Blundell-Pound, director of external affairs, oversees the scheme. He said, “The crews have thrown themselves into this. It’s rewarding for them to see so much money being handed over.
“We thought passengers might be tempted to keep their euros, but we’ve been proved wrong. And even the smallest amounts soon add up.”
The idea is part of the Change For Children appeal Thomas Cook runs throughout Britain, with each airport choosing their own charity. And the tour operators have been especially impressed by Scottish generosity.
Shaun Robinson, Director of Airline Communication, said, “Glasgow is the most generous of our bases, with around £32,000 raised over four years. We are proud of our staff and customers.
Giving something back
“Having two aircraft based at Glasgow Airport, taking thousands of Scottish holidaymakers across the globe, it is right that Thomas Cook Airlines gives something back to Scotland for all the support the people have given us. 
“We are looking forward to working with CHAS and The Sunday Post for the foreseeable future.”
There have been donations of dollars from Australia, roubles from Russia, litai from Lithuania and even some car wash tokens!
The Coin Company collects the money from Thomas Cook’s seven bases in the UK. Based in Burgesshill, West Sussex, they divide the currency into denominations and deliver it back to its country of origin or participating banks.
They give the face value for the coins, with the cost of their work covered by Thomas Cook, to avoid exchange rates. 
Actor Colin McCredie was waiting in the wings to receive the cheque from Thomas Cook on behalf of CHAS.
Currently filming the new series of Taggart as DC Stuart Fraser, Colin has supported CHAS for the past two years after talking to Carol McGregor (Ewan’s mum) at an awards ceremony.
He has since visited Rachel House and admires all those who work tirelessly for the good of the children and their families. 
Originally from Perth, Colin said, “I went to Rachel House and met a girl from Scone. It really brought it close to home for me. I have nothing but respect for all those involved.
“It’s also great to hear that Thomas Cook has done us proud by their generosity.”
Morag Rhodes from CHAS said, “This is a fantastic contribution from Thomas Cook and it does wonders for raising awareness of CHAS.”

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