£10k needed to help Fife community hub survive

With its revenue wiped out, The Ecology Centre has launched a ‘Tree of Hope’ appeal to urgently raise £10,000 to make sure it can remain open after restrictions are lifted and continue to be a thriving hub delivering its diverse programmes for many local groups.

Staff are determined the facility, which is based on the banks of Kinghorn Loch, will survive and thrive once again but it needs the support of locals to ensure this can happen.

The charity was founded on August 11, 1998 and was originally known as Craigencalt Ecology Centre before a new facility was built and opened in late 2015 under the new name of The Ecology Centre.

Gary Roberts, CEO, said: “To continue to deliver its diverse programmes, The Ecology Centre requests the help of our wonderful community to urgently raise £10,000 to recover, resume and grow its resilience in the post coronavirus lockdown world.

“2020 is proving to be a very different and unusual year for all of us, not just in Kinghorn, Fife and Scotland, but throughout the world as we come to terms and deal with the global coronavirus pandemic.

“Companies, charities, schools and individuals are all experiencing severe hardship, difficult challenges and decisions. The Ecology Centre is no exception.

“Sadly, many charitable organisations will not survive – however, we’re determined The Ecology Centre will survive, thrive and grow through our ‘Tree of Hope’ appeal to raise £10,000 or more.”

He continued: “Our centre closed in late-March, the team are on furlough leave and our dedicated volunteers are unable to contribute their time and experience to our projects. Our diverse portfolio of activities and services – from dementia friendly activities to our nature-focused learning with schools, community gardens and conservation plans to safeguard the loch’s wildlife – normally available for you our community and all now on hold.

“With the centre closed, our income has significantly fallen and as a result, this is placing considerable strain on The Ecology Centre’s financial resources.

“Further, post lockdown, we need to implement innovative ways of delivering these within safe social-distancing guidelines. This will dramatically reduce the footfall we desperately need.”

“Donations, however small or large, will be of great help. For donations of £25 or more The Ecology Centre will add your name to a leaf on our ‘Tree of Hope’, which will be on display in the centre’s courtyard.

“Your support throughout these difficult times is valued enormously. It will ensure this community resource continues to support the whole community and especially those most vulnerable – for whom it’s a vital lifeline.”

He added: “Please support our appeal to enable The Ecology Centre to continue to provide essential services of benefit to our community in Kinghorn and across Fife.”

To make a donation visit: https://www.theecologycentre.org or call (01592) 891567.