Gorgie City Farm appeal raises £30k in three days

A FUNDRAISING appeal aimed at saving a much-loved city farm from closure has received nearly £30,000 in only three days.

Sophie Mya Fleming with an Easter chick at the farm. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Gorgie City Farm leaders said money had flooded in via their Just Giving page, as well as through text messages and dedicated “collection points” at the attraction.

We told on Saturday how soaring running costs and a slump in external funding had forced staff to make an urgent plea for £100,000.

The farm has been running for more than 38 years but financial struggles in recent months led to the closure of its cafe in January.

Despite a three-year grant from city bosses, the Gorgie Road venue needs to raise a major sum to secure its future.

Organisations including Sainsburys and PWC have swung behind the bid, with hundreds of people transferring money online.

And Hearts supporters collectively handed over £1000 after Saturday’s match against Celtic.

Senior figures at the farm confirmed they were expecting to be “close to breaking £30,000 in donations” by the end of yesterday.

Chairman George Elles said he had been “overwhelmed” by the support.

He said: “We’re really pleased. Hearts have been absolutely brilliant and there were people coming in all day yesterday with little cheques and all sorts of things.

“It has proved to be a good weekend to launch an appeal. Today will be another good day with the May holiday, I hope.”

A number of city leaders have lent their backing to the attraction, which works with more than 100 volunteers every week and supports young teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mr Elles said the response was an indication of the farm’s importance to the Capital.

“It’s a hot favourite in Edinburgh,” he added. “It has been there for so many years and does so much for people across the city in terms of education, as well as people with disabilities. It’s a great place.”

Green councillor Gavin Corbett, member for Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart, said: “I am absolutely delighted that there has been such a big and generous response to the farm’s appeal.

“It’s a sign of what we have always said – that the farm has a big place in the hearts of so many families in the city.

“Of course, it is early days still and there is still a long way to go to meet the £100,000 target.

“But, as word spreads, I am certain that the fundraising will grow.”

To make a donation, please text “FARM44 £5” to 70070, visit www.justgiving.com/gorgiecityfarmassociation or send a cheque to Gorgie City Farm, 51 Gorgie Road, EH11 2LA.

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