Wish List reaches 100 not out

Published: Friday 28 March 2025

This image shows Councillor Lesley McDonald with recipients and donors from the Community Wish List

A wish list set up to answer requests from local communities is celebrating granting its hundredth wish.

The Community Wish List allows groups to request specific support from council suppliers or contractors that will benefit their community, projects, and causes.

The 100 wishes granted have seen a total value of more than £100,000 being invested in local communities in the form of financial donations, donations of goods and services, life-saving equipment and much more.

The first wish answered was for Blantyre Parish Church to have a light installed near a defibrillator and delivered by Block Architects.

The hundredth wish answered was for Hillhouse Link Tenants and Residents association to buy school uniform items to give to families and delivered by Electrical Testing Ltd.

Chair of the council’s Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, Councillor Lesley McDonald, said: “I am delighted that the Wish List has been such a success, providing a wider range of support to community groups across South Lanarkshire.

“A huge thank you to all our suppliers or contractors who fulfilled the wishes, I know I can speak on behalf of the community groups when I say how much we appreciate their support.”

Kenneth Martin, Managing Director of Block Architects, said: “We were delighted to support the SLC Community Wish List by answering the first wish for a local Church. 

“The team got behind the initiative and it ‘feels good’ to help.    

“There are too many worthy causes out there particularly in these difficult times, and so we hope that many other local businesses get involved and answer some wishes. Let’s make a difference.”

James Hill, Sales Director of Electrical Testing Ltd, said: “Providing the hundredth wish is an honour and also a privilege to be present to see the work first hand at the Hillhouse Tenants and Residents Association. 

“Dianne and Sandra who run the community programme are inspirational people and we are delighted to help them.” 

To find out more about the community wish list, visit the council web pages, and if you are a business interested in supporting any wishes, you can view live current wishes on the council website and make contact with the team.