Stirling charity launches festive fundraising draw for signed rugby shirt

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An award-winning Stirling charity has launched a fundraising draw offering Scottish rugby fans the chance to get their hands on a piece of sporting memorabilia.The draw has been put together by the Equi-Power RDA charity, which was established in 2015 and helps to support people with diverse physical and cognitive needs through equine therapeutic activities.Their activities in helping to empower people with disabilities has extended to include those with cognitive conditions as well as veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and families in stress.With charities all over the sector feeling the pinch of funding pressures and increased operating costs, Equi-Power have been looking for fresh opportunities to raise some much-needed funds during the winter months.A lifeline came in the generosity of a pair of local businessmen, Michael McNeill and Colin Easton, who have donated a signed shirt from the Scotland v Portugal rugby match at Murrayfield last month.The two men, who are directors of engineering consultancy ControlPro Ltd, were gifted the shirt by ex-international players Johnnie Beattie and Goncalo Uva, before deciding to donate it to Equi-Power to help them continue their work.Colin said: “We know how much a signed shirt can go for on an auction site, and rugby memorabilia is of interest to lots of people so it felt like a good opportunity for Equi-Power to raise some money, and we were pleased to be able to support them in this way. “It’s a small gesture for us, but it could mean a lot to them.”Amanda Namey, Service Manager of Equi-Power RDA: “We understand that lots of people are under financial pressure at this time of year, so it’s fantastic to have such an original item to boost our fundraising efforts.“We