Charity Founded by Farmers' Wives Celebrates 60 Years
A charity established by farmers' wives in the 1960s to assist vulnerable children is commemorating its 60th anniversary by seeking increased community support.
The Borders Children's Charity (BCC) currently distributes approximately £90,000 annually to families experiencing severe hardship.
Linda Runciman, chair of the charity, noted that the demand for assistance continues to rise, with the most frequent request being for a child's bed. This need underscores a persistent level of poverty throughout the region.
In recent years, the charity has also filled service gaps left by reductions in local authority and health service provisions.
"The charity started in 1965 when some Borders farmers' wives recognised that a child living close by was in dire need."
Linda, a retired primary school teacher, explained that these women initially came together to provide help, and the organisation has grown since then.
"We have relied on word of mouth for support up to now, but we've decided in our 60th year to get out there and raise awareness, to try to attract more referrals from all areas of the Scottish Borders and more funding to help us meet these needs,"she said.
"We provide basic comforts that some people take for granted, like beds, bedroom furniture, carpets for children's rooms.
"But we also pay for shoes, school uniforms, sports kit and school trips, because we believe that all children should be able to be part of their school community.
"Sadly, there's an increasing number of families who can't afford that."
The charity has observed a growing need for respite care for children who serve as carers, as well as support for children and families with disabilities.
Last year, BCC allocated over £90,000 to support a wide range of needs, often stepping in where previously the NHS or local councils might have provided assistance.
Raising awareness of the charity has dual objectives: to inform more health and education professionals about the support available, and to encourage local businesses to consider BCC when making charitable donations.
"The BCC has been able to make a real difference to children's lives for 60 years now,"Linda said.
"We want to keep it going and support more children because there are definitely more children out there needing that support."
