Musselburgh: Fun casino evening raises funds for vital equipment

The recent event was held in partnership with Musselburgh Rotary Club which launched a fundraising campaign to provide the equipment which can used in an emergency to help someone who is in cardiac arrest by administering a high energy shock to the heart.

Funds are needed to maintain the eight devices that the Rotary club has installed in the Musselburgh area.

Drew Johnston, president of Musselburgh Rotary Club, explained: “The pads within the defibrillator box need to be replaced after use and also have an expiry date. These cost around £160 per set.

“The defibrillator batteries also need to be replaced periodically at a cost of around £175 each. Over any given year the maintenance cost can be well over £1,500 depending on use (hopefully light) or age.”

The casino night raised funds to maintain lifesaving defibrillators in the Musselburgh area

The casino night received “good support” from the community in attendance and through donations of prizes or funds.

Those taking part played for tokens which they converted into raffle tickets to win prizes at the end of the evening. Games of roulette, blackjack, dice and ‘Play your Cards Right’ were “very popular and great fun,” added Mr Johnston.

There was also a silent auction to win tee times kindly donated by Monktonhall, Kilspindie, Craigielaw and Duddingston Golf Clubs. Scottish Rugby also donated a strip for auction signed by the 2024 Six Nations squad.

“Overall the event has raised in excess of £2,500 which will help the Rotary club keep the defibrillators in good order for the next few years,” said Mr Johnston who added: “It was great to work in partnership with the rugby club to raise funds for this worthwhile cause and we thank all who supported the event.”