Hollywood star becomes patron of First Response

Pic at link:

http://icperthshire.icnetwork.co.uk/tm_headline=hollywood-star-becomes-patron-of-first-response%26method=full%26objectid=26622083%26siteid=64054-name_page.html

Hollywood star becomes patron of First Response
Gerard Butler, the new patron of First Response


Jun 11 2010

by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald


COMRIE’S First Response has been given a huge boost this week.

Talking exclusively to Herald reporter Lynn Duke, Responder Manager Alan Moffat has revealed that Hollywood superstar Gerard Butler has agreed to be the charity’s patron.

Film favourite and regular visitor to the Shaky Village, Gerard has seen the benefits the service has provided locally since its inception and was keen to give his support.

In a recent interview with an entertainment website, the actor admitted to having been “a bit of a rogue in the past” but that his Hollywood success has helped him find contentment and along with that an “increasing desire to give back to others”.

On Friday, in between learning the lines of a new script, Gerard tried on a First Response jacket for size and checked out the vehicle before being taken for a trip round the village in it. He was also “chuffed” to be shown the first copy of the new First Response headed notepaper, which now displays his name.


“Gerard has been a generous contributor in the past,” said Alan Moffat. “We are delighted to welcome him on board and have him associated with us, especially now that we are a totally Scottish charity.”


Indeed, there are big changes afoot for First Response as on June 1, the back up emergency service became devolved from the UK wide organisation and is now a Scottish charity in its own right.


Alan added: “This means that fundraising should be easier as we can now apply for grants under the banner of a solely Scottish charity although that won’t necessarily be an easy task in the current climate. We will still have to rely on local support. However, we will be controllers of our own destiny and development.


“We are very excited for the future of the service in the Strathearn area and would love to see a unit based in Auchterarder.


“And, with the help of Scottish Ambulance, we would also like to be able to support small communities in enabling them to form their own responder teams.’’


Alan also expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support the charity receives from Comrie, without which the service could not continue.


A flurry of fundraising activity has been taking place in the Strath recently for First Response.


Supporters rallied round following the recent theft of the flashing amber beacon from the top of the emergency vehicle. Thanks to a donation from Comrie’s 50 Plus Club for the whole cost, a new lamp is already back in place.


Friends John King and Alex Dillon have just returned from their mammoth 14-day coast-to-coast trek to raise funds for the unit, and local resident John Brymer handed over a cheque for £400 at a recent volunteers’ training session.

Ummm.

O....k.

Uh huh.




I feel the need to tell you all something.

Here in Australia, First Response is the brand of a pregnancy test.

Wow...thanks!

Nay....

You know first responders, police and firemen are close to my heart because of what I do--even more so after the week I have had. Major kudos to Gerard for helping these guys out.

It just shows he does have a big heart! Awesome!

Yay, I'm glad to see him supporting the first responders. First responders are close to my heart, literally, but you already know that, I think.

And Nay.....First Response is important too. I wonder if Gerry supports that too! You're too funny.

I'm glad I read the other thread named "First Responder" first. If I read this first I would be picking up my jaw from the floor, thinking of the pregnancy test.

In all seriousness, THIS is the kind of thing you're supposed to do with your money and fame. Take them home and do good at home.

I'm not surprised at his generosity at all. I always knew he was this kind of guy!

Ger

Well he did save that drowning boy those years ago.

This is exactly the kind of publicity he needs. Keep it up, Gerry!

I agree Donna. For all those who think Gman is sooooo busy, well, you got time to party, you got time to help.

Our first responders in Elizabeth, Colorado were the "Rattlesnake District" and it was so busy that every Christmas, they'd decorate up the firetruck in lights and drive through the streets playing carols over the pa. Quite a site. It was all volunteer too.

Ger