The timber frame manufacturer is headquartered in Selkirk and operates as part of Barratt Redrow, and made the donation to Border Holiday Group SCIO (BHG) through its Community Fund.

Hawick-based BHG provides respite holidays for people with disabilities and those living with ill health across the Scottish Borders and southern Scotland.

The Oregon Timber Frame Community Fund provides a donation to different local causes each month of the year, with funding provided by the Barratt Redrow Foundation, the charitable arm of Barratt Redrow.

Community Fund recipients are nominated by individuals and then selected by the wider team. BHG was put forward by Oregon employees Keith Lawson, Health and Safety Trainer, and Ryan Brady, Design Administrator, who both regularly volunteer for the charity.

Keith, who has supported the charity for 10 years and just returned from volunteering as a carer on a BHG trip to Holland, said: “The best part about being a BHG volunteer is seeing people come out of their shells throughout the trip and their faces light up when taking part in the various activities. For many of the adults, or VIPs as we call them, it can be a rare opportunity to have a real change of scene and a break from their normal routine and schedule.

“The holidays give them the chance to experience something completely different, whether that’s visiting somewhere new, trying an activity they haven’t done before or simply spending time with other people in a relaxed and supportive environment.”

A BHG-funded holiday is a 10-day coach trip to Europe, travelling in an accessible Jumbulance, a cross between a coach and an ambulance, with accommodation, meals and activities included. BHG carers and nurses are also on hand to support attendees, providing respite to the individuals’ day-to-day carers.

Meanwhile, Ryan began volunteering for BHG after seeing the work they do through a friend and being inspired to get involved.

Ryan said, who is just back from his first trip with the charity, said: ” The care and support the VIPs receive is second to none and the response from them when they return is amazing.

“After coming back just 2 weeks ago as my first time on the trip as carer it was hard to put into words on how amazing the trip was. It has given me a different outlook on social care and the work that goes into caring for people on a day-to-day basis. It was my first time on the trip and certainly won’t be the last.”

The charity is fully self-funded, with trips taking place every second year to allow plenty of time to fundraise for the cost of the trip.

“I know first-hand the difference Oregon’s Community Fund donation will make to BHG,” Keith continued. “It’s a charity that provides a very unique but incredibly important service, giving people who might otherwise struggle to access a holiday the opportunity to travel, have new experiences and enjoy time away in a safe and supportive environment.

“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to nominate BHG for support through Oregon’s Community Fund, and I know the £1,500 donation will help towards making future trips possible.”

Throughout the year, a total of £21,000 will be donated from Oregon’s Community Fund to local causes, with recipients in December and January receiving a double donation due to the difficulties experienced in these winter months.

The Scottish Housing News Charity Spotlight feature highlights the vital work of charities across Scotland each Friday. To include your local charity, whether housing-related or not, send your story and images to us at newsdesk@scottishnews.com.