NEWS RELEASE - Thursday 24th March 2016
SCOTLAND'S NATIONAL WATERWAYS CHARITY HOPE TO MAKE A SPLASH IN THE STATES
An exciting new partnership to bring the work of Scotland's only national waterways charity, Scottish Waterways Trust, to supporters in the US launched today, Thursday 24th March.
The American-Scottish Foundation® will now promote Scottish Waterways Trust's innovative, outdoors projects caring for the canals and creating brighter futures for people living along their banks, amongst potential partners and donors in America.
American diaspora and those with connections with Scotland will now be able to donate or take up membership packages through the Trust's new American Friends of Scotland's Canals & Waterways [AFSC&W] initiative.
By becoming a Member or donating to a particular project of AFSC&W, the American Friends will help ensure a brighter future for Scotland's two hundred year old historic canals by making possible a range of important repair and improvement projects.
Two pioneering waterways projects, Canal College 2® and Ironwork Canal Archaeologists will be backed by the new partnership.
Scotland's first ever Canal College, the Trust's most successful project to date, helped 116 young people across Scotland into work, further education or training between 2013 and 2015. The charity is now fundraising for the $1.9 million needed to open canal college 2 in North Glasgow, Falkirk and the Highlands and run it for a further three years.
Ironwork Canal Archaeologists is an innovative project designed by Scottish Waterways Trust to uncover the fascinating history of a lost canal-side Ironworks on
the Forth & Clyde Canal in Glasgow, with a series of archaeological and heritage events for the local community and general public.
Scottish Waterways Trust uses innovative waterways projects like these to engage those suffering from poor physical and mental health, social isolation and unemployment and help them gain the confidence and skills they need to turn their lives around.
Now donors in America can help make these projects possible and ensure Scottish Waterways Trust can reach and help even more people across the country.
Karen Moore, Chief Executive of Scottish Waterways Trust, said:
"We are delighted to launch American Friends of Scotland's Canals & Waterways to enable people in America to forge closer ties with Scotland's vibrant canal history and at the same time help people and wildlife across the country.
Through this partnership, we hope to add to the great work The American-Scottish Foundation already do in bridging the gap between two great countries, developing a new and exciting way to create strong, sustainable bonds which can last a lifetime.
Together, we offer people in America the opportunity to strengthen their links to Scotland and connect with a vital piece of the country's rich built, natural and cultural heritage. With the valued support of our friends in America we can make a real and long-lasting difference to our valuable canal network and to the lives of people across Scotland."
Camilla G Hellman, the Executive Director of the American-Scottish Foundation, said:
"The American-Scottish Foundation is excited to engage with and promote AFSC&W's valuable work supporting the protection and conservation of Scotland's beautiful, unique waterways through the activities of Scottish Waterways Trust.
The partnership opens up opportunities for people and organisations in America to connect with a vital part of Scotland's history and heritage by joining AFSC&W as an American Friend, or supporting Scottish Waterways Trust's pioneering projects across Scotland with directed giving opportunities."
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For further information about the American-Scottish Foundation (ASF) and the American Friends of Scotland's Canals & Waterways contact Camilla G Hellman, Executive Director
American-Scottish Foundation
For further information about Scottish Waterways Trust
contact Rose Henderson
Notes to Editors
Scottish Waterways Trust (SWT)
SWT creates brighter futures for people, wildlife and communities along Scotland's canals
By connecting people with the heritage, wildlife and green open spaces of the Scottish canals, SWT inspires people to get active, improve their health and mental well-being, employment prospects and community life.
The American-Scottish Foundation®
The mission of The American-Scottish Foundation®, an international not-for-profit organization, is to establish links and strengthen ties between Scotland and the United States, through the pursuit of contemporary social, cultural, educational, and business activities.
