Selfless actions of a kind-hearted Fife charity worker are to be the subject of a television documentary to be aired next month.
From humble beginnings raising funds for good causes from her own home, Catherine Sala-Murray has in just three years has built up her Kats Mission operation that now includes a shop and community hub in Kinglassie.
Championing small charities and families with sick children who otherwise may struggle to raise awareness of their plight, Catherine estimates she has now, with the help of a small army of volunteers, supported more than 300 good causes.
Catherine, a former mental health nurse, said the fundraising has now become a full time occupation.
“We’ve come a long way in just a few years since we set up in Kinglassie in 2016 but there’s always more to do,” she said.
“The thrift shop came first but we quickly realised that people were calling for a chat and for some company so we decided to open the Busy Bees Community Hub in 2018 and its been a big success.
“As well as the fundraising the aim was to generate a sense of community spirit so the hub works on many levels, be it offering a place for people to come who would otherwise live in social isolation, to offering families who may be struggling to make ends meet.
“The hub is available for everyone from the youngest to the oldest and everyone in between.”
A key aspect of Catherine’s success is down to the group of eager youngsters known as the Bizzy Bees, the first youth group in Fife to achieve dementia friendly status.
“Under our motto of ‘Team Work and Patience’ the kids get involved in everything that we do, be it fundraising or improving the community around them,” Catherine said.
“However, it’s also about giving them the life skills to help those with, say, dementia or disability in a compassionate and caring way.
“Seeing these young people develop those skills and to take a sense of ownership in their own community and want to improve it, is hugely rewarding.”
From providing a Santa sleigh and present for all youngsters, to the creation of a job club and the offer one-day foodbank provision for those struggling to make ends meet, Catherine and her colleagues have been involved in it all.
“As long as there’s a young family with a sick child that needs our help or a pensioner who just wants to see a friendly face, we’ll continue to be there, that’s what we do,” she said.
The television documentary is to be broadcast STV on October 2.
