For almost 20 years he has provided memorable days out for countless sick children and their families, but fundraiser Charlie Kean has taken time out to recognise two businesses which have quietly helped his charity.
The roofing contractor presented a pair of hand-crafted glass awards to staff at Cineworld and the Landmark Hotel to acknowledge their massive contribution over the years.
Both organisations have between them donated tens of thousands of pounds to Kean’s Children’s Fund by providing free cinema tickets for ill children and accommodation for visiting families.
Mr Kean surprised bosses at the hotel on Kingsway West when he unexpectedly presented Dianna Bruce, the operations manager, and Richard Ellison, the general manager, with their honour.
Afterwards, Richard said: ”The award is unnecessary but is well appreciated. All the staff in the hotel are more than happy to help the families and Charlie we think it’s the best charity in the world.”
For 18 years the hotel has provided free accommodation to families and always sets aside the best rooms for their stay.
”Whenever they come here we give them the VIP treatment,” Richard said. ”We always make room for them, even if we’re full.”
Cineworld has been involved with the charity for around 11 years. Each month around 150 boys and girls are transported by Charlie from the hospital ward to the cinema.
Charlie said: ”They live in the ward and really look forward to going to the cinema. It’s so important and allows them to live a normal life for two or three hours.”
Dundee’s Citizen of the Year went on to praise the efforts of Cineworld and the Landmark Hotel.
”They have been amazing, they help families and what they do is just remarkable,” he said. ”They never receive any recognition and I wanted to change that by presenting them with the awards.”
Last week three local charities including Kean’s Children’s Fund took delivery of a new minibus.
Backed by local businesses, including Cineworld, the Landmark Hotel and DC Thomson along with generous donations from the public, the 17-seater vehicle will assist people suffering from serious illness.
The vehicle will be used to transport sick children and adults on day trips to the cinema, Edinburgh zoo, football matches and other day trips across Scotland.