A LOCAL funeral directors has donated £1,500 committed to a year's sponsorship of a charity hub in Cowdenbeath.

Knights Templar Goodwill Charity of Scotland are based at Unit 12 at Thistle Innovation Park and recently opened The Hub for veterans and the homeless in the area.

Colin Sneddon Funeral Directors have now made a four-figure donation to benefit the group.

Colin told the Times that he and his staff were very keen on supporting Gary Stevenson, the chairman, and his team of volunteers.

"Gary came to see us at the community council meeting a few months back to tell us of what the Knights Templar was all about and the good work they do not only in Fife but the whole of Scotland was amazing and certainly made me aware of what actually is going on out there on our streets and much more," he said.

"Once I looked more into it I knew it was a charity I wanted to support and be involved in.

"I had a lengthy discussion with my office manager Kelly O’Neil McGovern and we decided to contact Gary and offer the Knights Templar our support by sponsoring them for a whole year. 

"We also offered to help the team to deliver the care packages they provide for the homeless when the time comes, which will certainly give my staff and myself a humbling experience of what it's like out on the streets.

"To just sit and have a chat with these nice people and to hear their stories will be a huge learning experience for us.

"We always strive to help in the community when we can, no matter how small or large this may be, and especially in today's climate where the cost of living is so hard for so many families.

"A little help can go a long way and to be in a position to do that through the funeral directors is definitely a privilege."

Gary was delighted by the offer from the funeral directors and commented that the hub has been an early success.

He said: "Since opening The Hub we have been buzzing with everything that has been going on.

"We have had a great response and the feedback from service users has been very positive.

"We are also very delighted to have a sponsor for The Hub, Colin Sneddon Funeral Directors.

"Colin, Kelly and their team have been amazing with the charity and we can’t thank them enough for all of their help and support.

"We have had great feedback from those that have come down to use The Hub.

"We have donated food, clothing and care packs which have been a great benefit for our service users.

"The local community has also expressed their appreciation for this well needed service being provided in their area.

"It is still early days, but we are extremely happy with how things are going and we are growing day by day.

"Over the next couple of weeks we will be opening our community garden where people can come along and relax with a tea or coffee, take in the sensory elements of our garden and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

"For those with green fingers or just fancy trying out a bit of gardening, then they can come along and get their hands dirty too.

"Over the next few weeks and months we will be continuing to promote the hub to ensure that we are reaching those in need.

"We are also delighted to announce that we have funding to open The Hub as a social space as we launch ‘Operation Social Grow’.

"More information will be published on our website and social media over the coming weeks."