Verlaine McKay’s Contribution to Milngavie and Bearsden

That the Parliament commends Verlaine McKay, from Milngavie, for her charitable work and selfless contribution to the Milngavie and Bearsden community over 10 years; understands that, following her retirement, Verlaine established and led Ladies Who Bake, which is a group of women who meet up and sell home baking, using the funds raised to support youth rugby, Baljaffray Parish Church and other local causes, raising around £7,000 over three years; acknowledges that Verlaine later joined the local u3a learning and social group, helping to establish and lead A Yarn and a Stitch; notes that, from 2021, members knitted and handcrafted jumpers, blankets, baby clothes and other items, which were donated to charitable causes supporting people in Africa and children's services associated with Yorkhill; notes that Verlaine and the group’s charitable work developed into a large scale community effort supporting Ukraine, with the group raising more than £10,000 and collecting enough essential supplies to fill three large vans, alongside a substantial amount of items that the members made themselves; notes that Verlaine will continue to remain part of A Yarn and a Stitch and the u3a but understands she plans to take a step back from her wider community work and get some well-deserved rest during her retirement; welcomes the work of Ladies Who Bake and A Yarn and a Stitch for their hard work over several years, and thanks Verlaine for her compassion and dedication to charitable causes and her impressive ability to bring people together in ways that help those most in need.