Chief executive embarks on pilgrimage to thank supporters
An aid charity director is embarking on a pilgrimage of Scotland – to thank supporters for all their help.
Alistair Dutton is leading a cycle across the country to thank supporters of his charity, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (Sciaf), for changing the lives of millions of people in some of the poorest countries in the world.
The ride coincides with the aid charity’s 50th anniversary and will cover some 700 miles.
It will start on the north coast in Thurso on 29 April and finish in Oban on 31 May with the route taking in some of Scotland’s most sacred places including Pluscarden Abbey, Carfin Grotto and Iona.
Dutton and a small group of volunteers and staff will cycle for several hours each day before visiting schools and parishes, including more remote areas such as the Western Isles, attending mass, and speaking at special events including a travelling exhibition of SCIAF’s history.
In our 50th anniversary year we want to go the extra mile to thank supporters face-to-face
The cycle will also promote SCIAF’s latest campaign, highlighting the impact climate change is already having on people in developing countries and what we can all do to help.
Dutton said: “In our 50th anniversary year we want to go the extra mile to thank supporters face-to-face for the millions of lives that they’ve changed over the last five decades. We hope to meet as many people as possible in schools and parishes, and at special events and masses along the way.
“In addition to thanking people for their help, collecting people’s Wee Box donations and sharing the stories of people whose lives have been changed for the better, we’ll be highlighting how climate change is already hurting people in poor countries.
“Hopefully our Cycling Pilgrimage will inspire more people to leave their cars at home sometimes, and walk or cycle so we can all do our bit to reduce climate change.”
Free accommodation is being provided thanks to priests and supporters along the route and cycling equipment has been donated by the Bike Station shop in Glasgow and Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative.
