The charismatic frontman of popular Highland folk rockers Torridon, Kenny Smith, has spent years helping to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities, including The Archie Foundation.
Whether it’s enticing people to part with their cash at auctions, arranging charity gigs with the band over its 16-year existence, or getting on his bike for a massive fund-raising effort, vocalist and guitarist Kenny is never one to dodge a challenge as he appreciates the vital role that local charities play in their communities.
Now, the staunch Archie supporter is proud to take on the role of patron and serve as an ambassador to spread the word about the essential work of Archie across the Highlands and beyond.
Kenny couldn’t resist the invitation from his friend and chair of Archie Highland, Mary Nimmo, to become the latest high-profile supporter to join the ranks of Archie in the Highlands.
Kenny said: “I was blown away and feel very honoured to have been asked to become a patron of The Archie Foundation. The main thing for me about Archie is that they truly make a difference to the lives of young children. Little ones are totally dependent on adults, and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to help those who need it most.
“If you looked back at our diaries and calendars over the years, you would lose count of the number of charity events we have staged. Both personally and with the band, I have been working with Mary and the team to raise money for Archie over many years. For us, it’s about giving something back to local communities. Without the support of local people who turn up at our gigs or just listen to our music, we would not exist as a band. Without the support of local people and businesses, charities like Archie would not be able to deliver the essential work that they do.”
The Archie Foundation has been fundraising in the Highlands for 10 years now and in that time has made some wonderful transformations. Archie raised £2m to create the new Highland Children's Unit at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, and continues to raise funds to support the patients, parents, and staff of this wonderful, world-class facility to ensure it is equipped with up-to-date facilities, family-friendly equipment, and cutting-edge technology.
Kenny added: “The work of Archie is so close to our hearts, and I am very excited to take on this new role, continuing to help to raise vital funds for the charity and making sure that people realise how much of a difference their donations and support can make to the lives of local children.”
Archie Highland chair, Mary Nimmo, senior partner of solicitors Munro & Noble, said: “The team at Archie in the Highlands couldn’t be more excited to announce that Kenny has accepted our invitation to become a patron. Kenny has been hugely supportive of Archie over the years. We are so grateful to him for everything he and the band have done so far, and we are looking forward to building on that fantastic relationship to further promote and develop the work of Archie across Scotland and beyond.”
With Covid restrictions easing, Torridon are eager to see the return of live events and are among the headline acts due to appear at The Gathering in Inverness on September 4. Their latest album, Break The Chains, is also out now.
Archie is staging its popular Sunshine Prosecco Picnic at Culloden House Hotel on August 22. They are also inviting supporters to hold their own fund-raising Picnic in the Park with friends and family. Visit www.archie.org for more information.