A charity sports auction held to mark JR Scaffold’s 30th anniversary has raised more than £35,000.
John Horne, MD of JR Scaffold (part of The JR Group), decided to part with more than 80 treasured items he has collected over nearly three decades. Items included a signed and framed shirt from Celtic legend Jimmy ‘Jinky’ Johnstone, which raised more than £5,020, and a signed and framed Lionel Messi Barcelona top which attracted a bid of £1,300.
The two-week auction, hosted online by Blue Parrot Events Group through its Event PAL fundraising platform, attracted hundreds of sports enthusiasts and collectors from all over the world. With more than 200 bids placed on the most sought-after items, demand was high for the unique pieces on offer, ranging from football shirts signed by Lionel Messi, Graeme Souness, and Jimmy Johnstone to rare memorabilia autographed by Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, and Diego Maradona.
All proceeds are being donated to the Emmie Smillie Foundation and MND Scotland, two causes with deeply personal significance to John and his family.
John said, “I’m overwhelmed by the generosity shown throughout the auction. To see the collection I’ve built over the years find new homes while raising such a significant sum for two charities so close to my heart has been truly special.
“It was an emotional decision to part with the memorabilia, but this outcome proves it was the right one. Giving back has always been part of our company’s DNA, and this was my way of making that commitment personal as we mark 30 years in business.”
Some of the items remaining in John’s collection have also been donated to an event in aid of the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, while some will be auctioned off at the ‘December to Remember’ Charity Ball due to be held in Glasgow later this year. Hosted by John Horne, the event will continue to raise money for charity. For more information click here.
