The cash will be distributed between 530 charities over the next two days.
Over 500 Scottish charities impacted by the coronavirus outbreak will share in a £1.4m cash windfall from the Glasgow Kiltwalk.
Despite being forced to postpone the event due to the pandemic, Kiltwalkers have raised £720,000 after the organisers urged would-be participants to keep fundraising for local charities.
Sir Tom Hunter previously announced that the Hunter Foundation would double the funds each Kiltwalker has raised, adding an extra £720,000 to the total.
Kiltwalk organisers said the money will be distributed to around 530 charities over the next two days.
Sir Tom said: “These are extraordinarily tough times for Scottish charities – scores of them are facing the reality of having to close their doors completely, with devastating consequences for so many great causes.
“The Kiltwalking heroes have responded magnificently, raising £720,000 in extremely trying circumstances - it shows the very best of Scotland.
“Their generosity and care for others is overwhelming and I'm honoured that the Hunter Foundation is able to match those funds pound-for-pound, meaning over 500 Scottish charities will get the funds they so desperately need in the next couple of days.”
Kiltwalk chief executive Paul Cooney added: “The coronavirus outbreak has brought hundreds of charities all over the country to their knees, because fundraising has virtually ground to a halt. That means many of the most vulnerable people in our society are suffering enormous hardships, so we really want to thank every one of our fundraisers for stepping into the breach.”
Kirsten Sinclair, chief operating officer of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said the money would keep some charities afloat as demand on their services surges because of the outbreak.
“It’s heart-breaking when charities are being forced to turn away people in real need because of the coronavirus outbreak, but the fact that so many Scots have persevered with their Kiltwalk fundraising is fantastic, and to have Sir Tom and the Hunter Foundation match those funds means an enormous amount at such a difficult time,” she said.
One of the charities set to benefit from the windfall is Paul’s Parcels in Shotts, a food poverty prevention group supporting 45 families in the area.
Founder Tracey Duffy said: “The £190 raised by our Kiltwalkers would pay for eight food parcels. Now that the Hunter Foundation has doubled this amount to £380, 16 families in Lanarkshire will receive essential food supplies. Thank you, Sir Tom, for your Kiltwalk kindness.”
