Findhorn Village Store customers help raise more than £2000 for Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation

A SHOP in a local village has been commended for its fundraising efforts - for the second time.

Findhorn Village Store has again earned the 'Top Tin' award from Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (MIRO), having collected the largest number of donations from customers in the area.

Owner Richard Cross was proud to point out that the lifesaving charity based in Findhorn covers the area from Nairn to Burghead.

He said: "It's a charity that is very close to the hearts of residents in the village. MIRO is manned by volunteers who receive no payment so all the money we collect is used to help deliver the rescue service.

"Our loyal customers and visitors to Findhorn have enabled us to raise over £2000. We are very proud of this achievement.”

MIRO’s fundraising coordinator Jock McEwan organises the distribution and collection of donation tins.

He said: “We are very grateful to all of the outlets who display a MIRO donation tin as this is an important source of fundraising for us. A few pence of change donated can collectively mount up and really make a difference.

"Findhorn’s Village Store and Post Office was the first outlet to raise over £1000 through their MIRO donation tin and they have recently surpassed that significant achievement. A massive thank you to everyone who has donated. Your support is greatly appreciated.”

MIRO supports HM Coastguard and RNLI operations. It has responded to 25 emergency call-outs this year. The most recent were on October 1 and 2, in Findhorn and Nairn. One involved assisting sailors who’s dinghy had capsized and the other to rescue casualties and a dog cut off by the tide. Other rescues have included assisting sailors, swimmers, kayakers, paddle boarders and kite surfers.

MIRO chairman John Low confirmed it is one of around 50 independent rescue services around the UK.

He said: "We receive no direct funding and rely on the generosity of the general public and local businesses.

"The incredible amount Findhorn Village Store and it’s customers have raised through will help us to save lives.”

Anyone willing to take a donation tin is asked to visit www.morayinshorerescue.org for more information.