Nairn man's fundraising bird boxes in aid of Highland Hospice are flying high
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A RETIRED joiner has kept himself busy during the second lockdown by putting his craft skills to good use and raising funds for Highland Hospice.
David McIntosh (68) has been busy recycling disused wooden pallets and transforming them into sturdy bird boxes which he then offers for sale, with all the money going to hospice funds.
“It’s a charity which is close to everyone’s heart,” said Mr McIntosh, from Nairn.
“Everyone has someone in their family who has been affected by cancer and the hospice does a fantastic job for the people of the Highlands.
“I started making the boxes and sold them on line at £10 each.
“I’ve now raised £700 since the lockdown in November.
“It’s keeping me occupied and it will help the hospice, whose fundraising no doubt has taken a hit due to Covid.”
Mr McIntosh said his daughter, Rachel McGillivray, was a member of theatre staff at Raigmore Hospital and has been helping spread the message about the bird boxes far and wide.
“She sold 10 bird boxes to her colleagues when they heard about them,” he said.
“I’m always on the lookout for pallets and with spring around the corner, the boxes are definitely in demand, so I’ll keep producing them.”
David lives in Chattan Gardens in Nairn and would be delighted to hear from anyone who has pallets they would like to donate.
They must be a minimum of 12mm in width.
Andrew Leaver, head of fundraising at Highland Hospice, said: “David has been making and selling the most amazing bird boxes to raise funds for the hospice.
“The most recent box, donated to the hospice itself, features a sunflower based on the hospice logo.
“This will be put up in the hospice gardens in time for nesting season and will hopefully attract a wee bird family.
“With coronavirus restrictions in place, our traditional fundraising activities have been hit hard and we expect income to remain challenging for several months more.
“It is hugely encouraging that people are seeking out their own innovative ways to raise funds for the hospice at what is a very difficult time.”
Highland Hospice recently launched its Step Out campaign, encouraging supporters to sign up for any organised outdoor challenges taking place this year or, alternatively, to undertake their own personal challenge as a way of raising funds.
You can read more about the fundraising challenge campaign at www.highlandhospice.org/StepOut.
