Merlin is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates, offering staff two half-days each year to volunteer to support a charity. Ron Ramage, Managing Director of Merlin explained, “All businesses should be supportive and engage meaningfully with their community. By offering time to volunteer, Merlin team members make a difference in ways that matter to them.”
Back in September, three employees from the business, Kirstene MacCorquodale, Jill Cox, and Pam Conway, volunteered with Beautiful Perth, a charity dedicated to maintaining the city’s green spaces. The team spent an afternoon clearing a car park and refreshing flower beds, taking on a range of horticultural tasks. The efforts were greatly appreciated by the regular volunteers, with the group making a noticeable impact in just half a day.
“Beautiful Perth plays a vital role in keeping the city’s gardens vibrant year-round, but it’s always in need of volunteers for heavy lifting,” said Jill. “It was inspiring to help out and see the difference that could be made in a single afternoon.”
Merlin team members Jill, Kirstene and Pam
Jill, Kirstene and Pam with the Beautiful Perth regulars.
Pam Conway also shared her experience volunteering with Perth & Kinross Foodbank. Pam and her granddaughter collected and sorted donations, on a day which raised over £1,250 and filled 80 crates of much needed supplies for the charity.
Kirstene MacCorquodale dedicated a morning in November to volunteering at the Pitlochry Food Bank, assisting with preparing food parcels for delivery and supporting administrative tasks, including creating a poster for their new Food Bank Shop initiative. She returned to lend a hand again during her annual leave and hopes to continue support the initiative.
Perth & Kinross Foodbank
Pitlochry Food Bank
Craig Allardyce dedicated a half-day and evening to supporting local initiatives. At Perth Grammar School, he helped launch a weekly “lunchtime space” in partnership with Street Pastors, offering pupils free Wi-Fi and games. Later on the same day, Craig organised a Halloween party for the North Muirton community, attended by over 300 people. Craig also volunteers with the North Muirton Community Centre, where his role as secretary includes responsibilities such as engaging with Perth City Council on youth issues.
Outside North Muirton Community Centre
Festive Fun at North Muirton Community Centre