The makers of one of Scotland’s favourite snacks have shipped a case of goodies out to Hollywood for Scots actor Gerard Butler to enjoy as a special thank you for helping to raise thousands for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
Over £12,000 was raised for the charity through the Big Girly Quiz, which took place earlier this month, featuring a raffle with top prizes donated from various companies including Tunnock’s.
As well as launching the event by way of a video message recorded from his California home, Gerard delighted fans on the night by asking a question about one of his most famous romantic movies, P.S. I Love You, in which he co-starred with Hilary Swank.
In a special video recording the 50-year-old Fallen trilogy star described the CHAS quiz as “a fabulous fundraising event”
He added: “I know it’s hard for everybody just now but especially for charities who rely on donations. CHAS is a beautiful organisation that provides palliative care, family respite and support throughout Scotland and right now those families are needing help more than ever.”
Other stars also joined Gerard to ask questions on the night including Martin Compston from Line of Duty, Caitriona Balfe from Outlander, Janey Godley and Sanjeev Kohli.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tunnock’s ceased production for a time to protect its 600 staff but later reopened with social distancing safeguards being put in place.
It is believed to be one of the few times that the business, which was set up in 1890, has had to halt production of their globally famous products.
The lockdown however did not stop Sales Director, Fergus Loudon delivering a gift of 2,500 Teacakes and Caramel Wafers to frontline keyworkers at the new NHS Louisa Jordan hospital Glasgow in support of all their dedicated work.
Speaking about the company’s latest kind gesture on behalf of CHAS, Fergus said: “Tunnock’s were delighted to support the Big Girly Quiz ran by CHAS earlier this month.
“During these crazy times we are living in at the moment and it is very important not to forget the vulnerable children and families in Scotland who rely on the great work that CHAS does.
“We heard a rumour that it was the lure of a box of Tunnock’s Teacakes that sealed the deal for Gerard Butler to take part in the quiz so we wanted to send him a box of teacakes out to his home in LA as a special thank you for helping to raise so much for such a fantastic Scottish charity.”
CHAS, which supports over 450 families across Scotland, is committed to making sure every moment they spend together is filled with as much happiness and fun as possible.
CHAS High Profile Events Manager, Diane Alton said: “We are so grateful to Tunnock’s and all the businesses who helped make our quiz such a success. We raised £12,194 in total which will go a long way towards helping the children and families CHAS supports across Scotland, who need our help now, more than ever.
“It’s so lovely to hear that Tunnock’s sent a box of teacakes out to Gerard in LA as a means of saying thank you and I am sure he will appreciate receiving this special taste of home.”
Like many other charities in the current pandemic, CHAS has had to dramatically transform the way in which it operates. While both Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch are continuing to provide end of life care, the charity has also set up the UK’s first ever virtual children’s hospice to support families who are having to completely self-isolate.
Now in its third month, the virtual hospice offers extensive support to families by phone and video on clinical guidance, financial advice and bereavement support. CHAS family support teams also offer a range of interactive activities, art clubs, storytelling and friendship calls to children and parents.