A charity set up in memory of an Aberdeenshire teacher is offering grants of up to £6,000 for outdoor education projects.
Jo Walters, from Alford, was just 28 when she was knocked off her bike by a van in Brighton in 2010.
Relatives and friends set up the Jo Walters Trust with the aim of supporting causes the keen fundraiser would have embraced.
Each year, on what would have been Miss Walters’ birthday, the trust appeals for applications from north-east groups,and this year it is particularly keen to focus on outdoor education projects that are likely to become more common in response to coronavirus.
Grants of up to £2,000 are available to help projects across the north-east.
Benefactors have included Peterhead Canoe Club, which used cash to pay for training and kit to take even more young paddlers out on the water.
Meanwhile the 1st Methlick Scout Group used their funds for an archery kit to teach youngsters new skills, and the Tarland Development Group used their award for beehives to teach practical beekeeping skills to people of all ages.
Lucy Johnston, the sister of Miss Walters and chairwoman of the trust, said: “Jo benefitted hugely from time spent learning outdoors around her home in Aberdeenshire, and we wanted to provide the same benefits to as many people as possible.
“With Covid-19 affecting education so fundamentally, we hope that the outdoors may provide a safer option, and help people to enjoy all the mental and physical benefits of being outdoors.”
The deadline for applications is June 30, and successful applicants will be informed in August.
To find out more and to apply, visit www.jowalterstrust.org.uk
