Philanthropist's foundation to offer undisclosed "strategic and financial support” for charity after tough few months
Scottish billionaire Sir Tom Hunter has agreed to help The Kiltwalk in the aftermath of recent controversy surrounding the charity.
In February, Third Force News revealed four charities had withdrawn as main partners and last month chief executive Carey McEvoy resigned following complaints of how the fundraising charity was being managed.
The Hunter Foundation (THF), Sir Tom Hunter’s philanthropic venture, has now stepped in to offer “strategic and financial support” according to a statment from The Kiltwalk.
The charity has not disclosed how much money THF is putting up or what practical support has been offered but a spokesperson said the foundation has agreed to support it in its “strategic development to accelerate the charity’s commitment to helping improve the lives of Scotland’s children,”.
She added the support would help The Kiltwalk pass on as large a portion of funds as possible to charity partners and organisations nominated for grants.
It’s no secret The Kiltwalk has been through a tough couple of months, but we firmly believe that by working in partnership with The Hunter Foundation we will blossom
Ewan Hunter, chief executive of THF said: “The Kiltwalk is a force for good in Scotland and we are delighted to play a small part in its current and future development.
“It’s time for Scotland to get walking and make a difference for those young people most in need.”
The Kiltwalk’s chairman Michael Ure added: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with such a well respected organisation with a reputation for a high level of professionalism.
“It’s no secret The Kiltwalk has been through a tough couple of months, but we firmly believe that by working in partnership with The Hunter Foundation we will blossom into the amazing fundraising vehicle for Scotland’s children’s charities that we always intended to be.”
The first Kiltwalk event of 2015 takes place in Glasgow on Sunday.
Walkers will walk from Hampden Park Stadium in Glasgow to Balloch on the banks of Loch Lomond to raise funds for the event’s six charity partners as well as other nominated causes.
