Scottish Open golfers help aid foodbank to tune of £27,000

Stacey Lewis with volunteers from East Lothian Foodbank and their cheque

Some of the world’s top women golfers helped tee up a £27,000 boost for the Tranent-based East Lothian Foodbank in the Ladies Scottish Open.

Part of that figure came from a ‘Birdie Pledge’ initiative, backed by title sponsor Aberdeen Standard Investments whereby every birdie and eagle made by the pros amounted to £5 and £10 being contributed to the tally.

That total came to £5,100, with 992 birdies and 14 eagles being made across the four tournament days at The Renaissance Club.

The ‘Birdie Pledge’ contribution was combined with donations from the owners of the host venue, tournament promoter IMG and the Ladies European Tour and LPGA, as well as online donations from the public.

The valuable funds raised will help East Lothian Foodbank continue to care for the local community.

“You look at this break we’ve been on and probably the most impacted are the communities we play in,” said American Stacy Lewis, who emerged as the winner on Sunday, of East Lothian Foodbank having been chosen as the event’s official charity on the back of the Covid-19 lockdown.

“So just the fact that we’re able to play, even though fans aren’t here and use the profile of the event to help the local community is amazing.

“It’s why we do what we do, so it’s nice to be playing golf and helping some people out.”

The money raised will allow East Lothian Foodbank to continue to care for the local community.

“To have been selected as the Official Charity of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open in the first place was an unbelievable honour and now the generosity and support we’ve received from everyone at the event is overwhelming,” said foodbank director Candace Higgins.

“We rely solely on donations to be able to do vital work in the East Lothian community, and the incredible amount raised from the tournament will not only allow us to continue this work but also means we can develop projects to support even more people. We can’t possibly thank everyone enough for their kindness.”

Claire Drummond, head of charitable giving at Aberdeen Standard Investments, added: “We’ve been proud to support and raise a fantastic amount for a local charity which is helping those most in need at this challenging time.

“The Ladies Scottish Open has been a great platform for the East Lothian Foodbank to be involved with, on a global scale.

“It was great to see East Lothian resident and Aberdeen Standard Investments ambassador Catriona Matthew, visit the foodbank last week to see the tireless work the team and volunteers do to provide food parcels that most of us take for granted.

“We are glad the money raised this week will help them continue to do such great work.”