Portobello Toddler Hut: Historic Edinburgh playgroup saved by fundraiser after being hit hard by pandemic

A fundraising page hit its target within 24 hours as people rush to save a historic Portobello playgroup that has been struggling during coronavirus.
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Portobello Toddlers Hut has closed it’s doors during the pandemic, for the first time since the Second World War, and are now concerned that they may not be able to open them again.

The group, which opened in 1929 is a self-funded community nursery, and they have used their reserve money to get them through two national lockdowns.

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Historic Portobello playgroup saved by fundraiser after being hit hard by pandemicHistoric Portobello playgroup saved by fundraiser after being hit hard by pandemic
Historic Portobello playgroup saved by fundraiser after being hit hard by pandemic
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Their fundraising page says: “The modest reserves we have built over many years are gone, meaning we have lost the financial security net we need to keep our not-for-profit nursery afloat.

"We aren't a business that can take on loans, and were not a big charity with lots of other income streams.

"So, we (the parent-run committee, on behalf of children past, present and future) are doing something we've never done before asking for our community's direct support.”

The fundraiser had a target of £3,000 to allow the nursery to continue serving the community, and it was a target that was easily smashed within 24 hours as a grateful community dug deep into their pockets.

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In a grateful message on the site, the playgroup said: “Thank you so much for helping us reach our targets in less than 24 hours!

"We are overwhelmed by your support and the love it shows for the toddler hut.

"Now we can see down the road a little further – and with friends and neighbours like ours – we feel so much stronger. Thank you!”

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.

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