Dumfries Rotary Club honours Loreburn Shopping Centre manager Jim Ireland

Loreburne Centre manager Jim Ireland has been honoured by the Rotary Club of Dumfries.

Members had to come up with new ideas when the pandemic curtailed many fundraising events last year.

But, with some visionary thinking, they hit on the idea of running a charity pop-up shop.

And, thanks to Jim, it was held for a few days at the end of November in the former Body Shop premises in the Loreburne Centre, raising amazing £4,500 through public support.

Members – who voluntarily manned the pop-up shop themselves – wanted to pay tribute to Jim for his support – and that of his staff – and have presented him with a certificate for “provided outstanding service.”

They acknowledged that as well as raising funds for youth organisations, including Cash for Kids and other charities in the town, it also offered supporters the chance to pick up plenty of bargains and some festive gifts.

Plus there was the knock-on effect of encouraging people to come out and venture into other town centres businesses too – all adhering to Covid-19 restrictions.

Club president Tom Florey said: “Dumfries Devorgilla would like to thank all those involved in making their event such a success, whether as shoppers, those donating goods for sale or even those expressing support to Rotary.

“I would like to thank, in particular, Jim Ireland and all staff at the Loreburne Centre, for their advice and support in all elements of running this event. They were so understanding, and supportive, they made our job so much easier in fundraising during difficult times.”