It is usually the reindeer that suggest Christmas spirit but this year Arnold Clark decided to bring the festive joy to the reindeer by donating £1000 to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. One reindeer, Mo, inspired the new Arnold Clark campaign – get an MOT test for £35, but it will be the whole herd that will benefit from the donation.
Staff members from Arnold Clark visited the centre to meet Mo and talk to the herders. They brought with them a very special themed cheque.
Fiona Smith, one of the herders at the Reindeer Centre said:
‘This donation could not have come at a better time as we are preparing for the Christmas holidays, which is our busiest time of the year. The sum Arnold Clark kindly donated will go towards waterproof jackets for the herders, food for the reindeer and will cover vet bills. We are delighted that the company has shown genuine interest in our work and the reindeer, and we thank them.’
The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre was established in 1952 by Mikel Utsi and his wife Dr Ethel Lindgren. Due to climate change, the Cairngorms was the only place in the UK where the reindeers could live comfortably. Now the centre is run by the Smith family and the dedicated herders, who take care of the reindeer all year round.
Arnold Clark Managing Director, Eddie Hawthorne, commented on the recent donation, saying:
‘The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is a very unique place in Britain and is treasured by not only the local community but families from all over the world. We think it is vital to provide support to the herders, who tirelessly care for the reindeers, so that they can continue to welcome the many visitors to the centre. As a family business we are proud to be part in something that makes Christmas so special.’
If you've picked up one of our reindeer inspired £35 MOT leaflets and are wondering how to make the origami reindeer, watch the video below.