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Charity Out To Show Glass Is Half Full With The BEN

Aberdeenshire, Charity, Featured No Responses »

Nov 102016

Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society launches Glass Half Full campaign to encourage current and former industry workers in Aberdeen to sign up for support. With thanks to Duncan Fisher, Senior Account Manager, The BIG Partnership.

Senior figures from the Scottish Licensed Trade at the launch of The BEN’s Glass Half Full campaign, at Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, which aims to help former and current industry workers across Scotland who have fallen on hard times.

The Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society, known as The BEN, has launched a new campaign to increase the number of people it supports and is calling on potential beneficiaries from Aberdeen to get in touch.

The Glass Half Full campaign, which was launched with the help of leading industry figures at Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, is targeting current and former members of the licensed trade who have fallen on hard times through illness, unemployment or other factors, and would benefit from financial aid.

As well as being backed by the national trade, the campaign is being rolled out regionally with the help of The BEN’s network of volunteers, known as ‘Visitors’, who will take on ambassadorial roles within their respective areas.

Established in 1864, The BEN has been providing social, financial and emotional support to members of the licensed trade for over 150 years. Financially, the charity offers regular discretionary payments as well as one-off grants for emergency situations such as housing repairs or transport costs.

To be eligible for support, applicants must have worked in the licensed trade (incorporating bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels, wholesalers plus packaging, production and distribution firms) for at least three years on a full-time basis. The three years do not need to be concurrent.

Commenting on the campaign, Alex Carnie, The BEN’s Visitor in Aberdeen said:

“The BEN works very hard to get its message out there and the Glass Half Full campaign gives us a platform to let potential beneficiaries know we are actively seeking more people to support.

“A lot of former and current workers of the licensed trade won’t know they’re eligible for support so the campaign is great for raising awareness of how the charity can help and hopefully it will encourage as many people as possible to contact us.”

As part of the Glass Half Full campaign, the charity conducted a survey of current licensed trade workers to gain an understanding of potential challenges faced by those in the industry. The survey found that 27% of respondents knew someone who would benefit from financial aid due to life difficulties.

The feedback also showed 25% of male workers had been unemployed during their time in the industry (up to 32% for males aged 26-40) while 14% of their female colleagues had received external financial support (excluding banks or student loans) at some point in their career (up to 20% for females aged 26-40).

The younger generation of workers was also found to be at risk of facing difficulties, with 21% of respondents aged 16-25 stating they had already been in a situation which required financial assistance from an external body. Although older workers, aged 41 and over, have needed less financial aid (5%) than their younger counterparts, 17% still confirmed that they have been unemployed at some point during their career.

Demonstrating that both current and former members of the industry have been in a challenging financial position, the figures highlight the relevance of The BEN in today’s society and the continuing demand for its services.

As well as encouraging potential beneficiaries to get in touch, the Glass Half Full campaign aims to engage members of the licensed trade, and general public, to help spread the word and Chris Gardner, chief executive of The BEN, hopes it will enable the charity to support more people than ever before.

She said:

“Since it was established, The BEN has supported thousands of people across Scotland and we continue to strive to help as many as we can today. As a smaller charity this can sometimes prove challenging, largely due to a lack of awareness, but we hope the ‘Glass Half Full’ campaign will inspire people to either recommend our services or get in touch.

“We know there are hundreds of Scots out there who are eligible for support, but just don’t know it, so the campaign is a way for us to engage with them and let them know we are here to help. However, we understand the apprehension, and embarrassment, which can be caused by seeking financial support but would assure anyone considering contacting us that the application process is completely confidential and any arrangements are managed with the utmost discretion.

“The BEN will continue to support former and current members of the licensed trade for many years to come but we want to build our support network as much as possible. We believe the Glass Half Full campaign will help us expand our reach across Scotland and allow us to widen our impact on the lives of those who need it most.”

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), and BEN director, is backing the campaign and calling on the industry to show its support:

“The BEN has been the licensed trade’s national trade charity for over 150 years and we are immensely proud of the services it provides. From bar workers to draymen from sales people to restaurant and hotel staff it’s our job to provide assistance when needed. The BEN is well known within the industry, but many people are still unaware of how it helps people and who is eligible for support.

“Therefore we’re asking audiences from both the licensed trade and beyond to help raise awareness of the campaign and encourage anyone that may benefit from support to get in touch.”

About The BEN:

The Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society, known as The BEN, offers social, financial and emotional support to former and current members of the licensed trade facing difficulties in life.

The BEN supports people of all ages who have worked full-time in the sector for at least three years.

The charity can provide beneficiaries with discretionary financial support or one-off grants for emergency situations. Examples include support in covering utility and household bills, the provision of furnishings and injury rehabilitation equipment as well as supplying mobility and transport solutions among many others.

The BEN owns the BEN Pitlochry Estate, consisting of 18 bungalows, where it provides accommodation for current and retired members of the industry as well as ‘Respitality’ breaks for carers.

To find out more about The BEN or to enquire about support, please visit www.bensoc.org.uk or call 0141 353 3596.

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Financial Company Recognised For Charitable Efforts

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

Nov 042016

With thanks to Gemma Setter, PR Account Executive, Frasermedia.

An Aberdeen financial services company has been recognised for its continuous support of non-profit-making organisations in the North-east.

Phil Anderson Financial Services, which has offices in Aberdeen, Ellon and Caithness, was awarded as the regional winner of the Small Business Big Heart Award for Aberdeen.

The accolade, which recognises small businesses across the UK that go to great efforts to support their local communities, was presented to Phil Anderson, managing director of Phil Anderson Financial Services, by Scott Baxter, deputy chief executive of Aberdeen Cyrenians, for the company’s dedication to helping local causes.

The financial services company, which specialises in mortgages, investments and pensions, donates £10 to Aberdeen Cyrenians every time one of its clients sets up a mortgage. The initiative has raised a total of £1710 for the charity so far this year, which helps to support homeless and vulnerable people in the area.

As well as this, Phil Anderson Financial Services supports numerous sports and social clubs in Aberdeen, Ellon and Oldmeldrum and regularly donates raffle prizes to nearby schools and charities. Through its sponsorship of the Oldmeldrum Charity Golf Open Day, the firm was able to select Diabetes UK as a beneficiary.

Rufus Bazley, marketing director at BusinessesForSale.com, the organiser of the Small Business Big Heart campaign, said:

“We were very impressed with the charitable efforts of Phil Anderson Financial Services, as it’s evident that the entire team are committed to creating a positive impact for the area through donations and participating in fundraising activities.

“It’s very inspiring to see a small business so involved with its local community and we can only hope that it encourages other SMEs across the UK to regularly support causes in their area.”

Phil Anderson, managing director of Phil Anderson Financial Services Ltd, said:

“It is an honour to receive the Small Business Big Heart award, as supporting local, worthwhile causes means a lot to me and the team.

“My staff often participate in fundraising events and I support this by giving them the time off work. I also like to take part and raise money for charity, this year was the third year that I’ve swam 22-miles to raise money for Diabetes UK and Aspire.

“Not all companies are in the position to hand out big cheques all the time, but it doesn’t need to be about large gestures. We’re able to do our bit through a number of small activities that will help those local to us.”

Scott Baxter, deputy chief executive of Aberdeen Cyrenians, said:

“We are very appreciative of Phil’s ongoing support, as all the money raised by the company goes towards our frontline services, which have experienced a significant increase in demand over the last 12 months.

“As well as this, we are all well aware of his amazing efforts for other causes across the North-east, so the award is extremely well deserved.”

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Lots Up For Grabs In Annual Charity Auction

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

Oct 272016

Michelle Ferguson, charity manager, Cash for Kids

With thanks to Ian McLaren, PR account manager, Innes Associates.

North-east residents are being encouraged to dig deep and bid for a range of items as a local charity holds its popular autumn fundraising event.

Aberdeen-based Cash for Kids is once again holding its annual online auction, which runs until Sunday, 30 October.

The money raised will be used by the charity to support sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Cash for Kids provides quarterly grant funding to individuals, families and community groups to help improve the lives of local children and young people under the age of 18.

Proceeds of the auction will be used to fulfil these application. During each round of funding the charity distributes over £30,000 in order to meet the range of applications it receives.

Businesses across north-east Scotland have already thrown their weight behind the initiative. Local butchers, florists, photographers, garages, gyms, beauticians and attractions are among those who have donated goods and services to feature in the auction.

Each year, the online auction provides north-east residents with the opportunity to bid on a range of items, including one-off objects and unique experiences. This year it features pop and sporting memorabilia, portraiture sessions, car servicing packages, sports lessons, hotel stays, theatre tickets and dinner packages. Bidding closes at 8pm on Sunday, 30 October.

Auction highlights include an Aberdeen Football Club shirt signed by the first team, a One Direction T-shirt signed by band members Niall Horan and Harry Styles, and framed drum skins signed by One Direction, 5 Seconds of Summer and James Morrison.

A number of hotels have provided accommodation packages. Bids can be placed on one night’s bed and breakfast, with arrival champagne, for two at Meldrum House Hotel, dinner, bed and breakfast for two at Ardoe House Hotel, and dinner, bed and breakfast for two at the Marriott Aberdeen. Further afield, the King Robert Hotel at Bannockburn has donated a two-night stay with dinner, bed and breakfast.

Food fans have the chance to bid on Sunday brunch for four at Malmaison Aberdeen, afternoon tea for two at 210 Bistro, a voucher from Da Giorgio Trattoria, and meat packages from butchers Andrew Gordon and J&G Dossett. Also on offer are fourballs at Newburgh Golf Course, gym membership at Aberdeen Sports Village and a snow sport lesson at Aberdeen Snowsports Centre.

Michelle Ferguson, Cash for Kids charity manager, said:

“Our annual auction is always really popular with the public. Once again, we’ve had a great response from local businesses who have been very generous with the items that they have donated. The auction really is an example of how the whole local community can pull together and make a difference to lives of sick, disabled and disadvantaged north-east children.

“We have a diverse range of items in the auction again this year, so there is something to suit all ages, tastes and budgets. If you are looking for a bit of pampering so that you are ready for your festive nights out there are a number of beauty treatments on offer, or some fantastic family experiences including trips on the Royal Deeside Railway and visits to The Den and The Glen. Some items still have low starting bids, so they might be secured very reasonably.”

To see the full list of auction items and place bids, visit https://northsoundcashforkidsonline.auction-bid.org. Bidding closes at 8pm on Sunday, 30 October.

Cash for Kids is Northsound Radio’s listeners’ charity. It makes grants to individuals, families, children’s groups, organisations and projects throughout the Northsound transmission area. All money is raised locally and spent locally to benefit local disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under 18. More information on Cash for Kids can be found at www.northsound1.com/cashforkids, or telephone 01224 337010.

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Dons 1976 Stars Reunite To Support North-east Charity

Aberdeen City, Charity, Sport No Responses »

Oct 212016

With thanks to Yvette Rayner, PR Account Manager, Frasermedia.

graham-findlay-ceo-ness Aberdeen Football Club legends are reuniting from across the globe at a charity lunch in Aberdeen this month.
Eleven of Aberdeen Football Club’s 1976 Scottish League Cup winning squad will reunite for the first time in 40 years at a sell out event in aid of North East Sensory Services (NESS) on 28th October at the Chester Hotel, Aberdeen.

Legends of the exciting campaign, whose final took place on 6th November 1976 at Hampden Park, including international star Arthur Graham, Stuart Kennedy, Willie Garner and Joe Harper will join teammates to reminisce over the historic cup win.

The AFC heroes are travelling from as far afield as Australia for the reunion, which is the second fundraising football lunch for NESS.

NESS, which is based in Aberdeen, with centres in Dundee and Elgin, supports over 5,000 people who have vision or hearing loss. The charity has been helping people in Aberdeen since 1879 and is the only organisation that supports both deaf and blind people.

BBC sports presenter, and AFC fan, Richard Gordon, who was born and bred in Aberdeen, will compere the afternoon, and squad members will discuss the thrilling cup-winning run and take part in a question and answer session.

Guests will have the opportunity to get autographs and photographs with the team members, and some players have generously donated unique items for auction on the day.

Graham Findlay (pictured), CEO for NESS, said:

“We are delighted that 11 players of the AFC legendary 1976 squad are taking time out to join us in our celebration. With George Campbell coming from Australia, and others traveling from England and across Scotland, this will be a truly unique event.

“For fans like myself who just about remember the game in 1976, this is a real treat. We have some pretty incredible auction prizes which cannot be found anywhere else, and so we hope to raise some much needed funds for deaf and blind people in the North-east.”

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Charity Aims To Kit Kids Out In Warm Winter Wear

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

Oct 062016

Cashforkids With thanks to Ian McLaren, PR account manager, Innes Associates.

As the days shorten and the first signs of autumn begin to appear, a north-east charity is fundraising to ensure children in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are kitted out with warm winter outdoor clothing.
Cash for Kids is running its annual Coats for Kids appeal with the aim of raising enough money to purchase warm outdoor clothing for 600 underprivileged children living in the north-east.

The local children’s charity requires £30,000 to meet the expected demand, with the money being used to provide each child with a £50 clothing voucher to cover the cost of a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and a pair of boots.

This is the fourth successive year that Cash for Kids has organised the Coats for Kids appeal. The winter clothing appeal’s continuation reflects the level of child poverty that exists in the region – one in six children in Aberdeen and one in seven in Aberdeenshire live in poverty.

Cash for Kids works with support workers, social workers and community groups to improve the quality of life of sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under the age of 18 living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. It is through these working relationships that applications will be made on behalf of the children most in need of winter clothing vouchers.

The charity has once again struck a deal with a leading clothing retailer to provide the vouchers for the children. These vouchers can be redeemed against the purchase of new winter outdoor wear, with the children themselves being given the opportunity to select the items.

A number of companies across the north-east have already backed the appeal, but Cash for Kids is calling for others to lend their support. Staff in the Aberdeen office of Richard Irvin, which provides energy solutions and services across Scotland, have pledged to raise £500 for the appeal. This is enough to fund winter outdoor clothing packs for 10 children.

Sharon Walker, Richard Irvin social committee member, said:

“We were very shocked to hear that last year Cash for Kids had over 600 applications to provide children with coats and other winter clothing.

“It’s heartbreaking to hear that just on our doorstep there are families who have to make the stark choice of whether to provide their kids with food or heating. The Coats for Kids appeal really makes a difference to families and I’m confident that the Richard Irvin team will rise to the challenge.”

Michelle Ferguson, Cash for Kids charity manager, said:

“The Coats for Kids appeal is very emotive. It highlights the issue of child poverty, but delivers many positive outcomes for the children who benefit, some of whom have never before had the opportunity to choose new clothes for themselves and have always previously relied on hand-me-downs.

“We are very grateful too all those who have supported the appeal this year, including the staff at Richard Irvin. The importance of warm winter clothing can’t be underestimated, particularly for health reasons. A donation of £50 would ensure that one child is kitted out for whatever this coming winter throws at us. With an estimated 600 applications to fulfil, every donation really will make a huge difference.”

In addition to running specific appeals, Cash for Kids provides quarterly grant funding to support sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under the age of 18 throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Funding is distributed at the end of January, April, July and October every year and is available to individuals, families and community groups. All applications must be endorsed by a third party, such as a social worker or health visitor.

Any individuals, organisations or businesses that wish to support this year’s Coats for Kids appeal should contact Michelle Ferguson on 01224 337010 or michelle.ferguson@northsound.co.uk, or visit www.northsound1.com/coats.

Cash for Kids is Northsound Radio’s listeners’ charity. It makes grants to individuals, families, children’s groups, organisations and projects throughout the Northsound transmission area. All money is raised locally and spent locally to benefit local disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under 18.

More information on Cash for Kids can be found at www.northsound1.com/cashforkids, or telephone 01224 337010.

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Lord Provost Unveils Erskine Bench In Seaton Park

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Oct 062016

With thanks to Judith Haw.

The second Blooming Big Aberdeen friendly bench has been unveiled in Seaton Park by veterans’ charity Erskine in their centenary year.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, George Adam, officially revealed the Erskine bench, painted with the colours of the medal ribbon which features on the charities logo, on Cathedral Walk.

The purpose of the ribbon is to connect Erskine in a clear way to its core focus – provision of care to members and ex members of the armed services.

Erskine has four care homes in Scotland, providing nursing, residential, respite and dementia care to veterans and their spouses. The charity supports over 1,000 veterans and their spouses each year.

The friendly bench project is one of the most recent initiatives to have arisen from the Big Aberdeen Event in September 2014 and is supported by ACVO TSI in partnership with Aberdeen City Council. Third sector organisations were invited to claim and design a bench in the city to raise awareness of the support and services they provide, with Erskine jumping at the chance to get involved.

Erskine Community Fundraiser for the North, Michael Parkes has invited local volunteers and supporters to the unveiling at 1pm as a thank you for all they do for the charity.

Speaking about the bench Michael said:

“It is a great honour for Erskine’s Blooming Big Aberdeen friendly bench to be in one of Aberdeen’s most popular green spaces. Thanks to our bench designers, Neil and Louise McIvor, they have helped make Cathedral Way even more picturesque!

“The project is a fantastic way to promote the charity in the city. We will also be able to use it as an outreach point for local supporters, volunteers and veterans. The North of Scotland has a rich history in the services so it is great that we can recognise this with the Erskine bench.

“One of our veterans currently being cared for at The Erskine Home is originally from the Hilton area in Aberdeen. Previous residents have also served in the Gordon Highlanders.”

Lord Provost George Adam said:

“This initiative is a creative way of promoting the vital work of the third sector and at the same time adding something new to our parks and open spaces. Erskine does an outstanding job caring for our veterans and I hope people using the park will see the bench and take the time to find out more. A lot of work has been done in Seaton Park recently and I’d encourage everyone to come down and see how great it’s looking.”

Anyone interested in supporting Erskine locally can contact Michael Parkes on 07811 326 206.

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Family And Friends Of Keith Woman Raise £11k For CLAN

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Articles No Responses »

Oct 062016

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

L to R – Eileen Eunson, Maggi Stannard, Jill Bremner, Moyra Hunter, Leanne Bruce, Derrick Henderson, Dolina Bell and Steph Dowling.

The fundraising efforts of family and friends of a north-east woman has resulted in £11,000 being handed to CLAN Cancer Support.

Family and friends of Keith resident, Morag Henderson, who sadly passed away in October last year, embarked on a number of fundraising efforts to thank the charity for the support given to Morag and her family while she attended Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for cancer treatment.

Events included a garden party, raffles and fundraising within Tesco’s Keith store, where Morag had worked for 21 years.

Staff at the store also undertook the 26 mile ‘Fish Wives Walk’ to further boost the fundraising. The group’s donation also includes £1,800 which was received at Morag’s funeral.

Derrick Henderson, Morag’s husband, was amazed at the local support received, so much so that the garden party is to become an annual event.

He said:

“When we first spoke about hosting a garden party to raise funds for CLAN we had no idea how big it would become. We were totally overwhelmed by the offers of support and help and the turnout on the day was just amazing – even though it was snowing at times!

“CLAN helped Morag and our family so much during our trips to Aberdeen. To have somewhere to break the long journey by staying in CLAN Haven, speak to other people who were also going through treatment for cancer or access CLAN’s therapies and support was so important to us.

“By raising what we can, we all hope that we can do our bit in ensuring that the charity can continue to support others in the fantastic way it supported us.”

However, this donation is not the end, with the group already looking to other fundraising efforts including a recipe book, dance, tombola and mammoth 100-mile cycle setting off in Ballater and tackling some of the area’s steepest climbs.

Steph Dowling, CLAN Cancer Support’s Senior Fundraising Coordinator, was delighted to meet the group and thank them for their donation.

She said:

“The community spirit shown by the community in Keith in supporting the group’s fundraising is really special and to hear that they already have more fundraising plans is fantastic. It was lovely to meet everyone to hear how much CLAN helped Morag and her family during difficult times and their desire to give something back to CLAN is heart-warming. We cannot thank the group enough for their support.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For more information about CLAN Cancer Support, please call (01224) 647000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Charity Cyclists Swap Four Wheels For Two

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Sep 292016

With thanks to Clare Scott, Communications Consultant, CJS Communication & Marketing.

Gavin Fairweather (left) and Richie Cooper will pedal for charity

Two members of staff from motor specialist Peter Vardy Vauxhall are preparing to tackle a self-styled Tour de Vardy in aid of charity following an inspiring summer of British cycling.

Richie Cooper, managing partner and Gavin Fairweather, new car sales manager, will pedal 230 miles from 1-3 October 2016 to raise funds for family support charity Home-Start Aberdeen.

The pair, both of whom are keen cyclists, have been in training for the challenge, which forms part of Peter Vardy Aberdeen’s year-long CSR (corporate social responsibility) partnership with Home-Start Aberdeen.

The cyclists’ 230-mile route commences from the Peter Vardy CarStore in Glasgow and incorporates stopping points over the weekend at the company’s showrooms in Motherwell, Edinburgh, Dalgety Bay, Kirkcaldy, Perth and Dundee. They will be followed by two colleagues in a liveried support vehicle and hope to receive lots of additional moral support during their stops along the route.

They are due to reach their final destination – the Peter Vardy Vauxhall showroom on Aberdeen’s Lang Stracht – late afternoon on Monday, 3 October.

“All of our colleagues throughout Peter Vardy in Scotland are aware of what we are doing and we are looking forward to seeing as many of them as possible during our scheduled stops on the Tour de Vardy,” says Richie.

“It’s a pretty challenging route so the friendly faces and encouragement will spur us on – along with the knowledge that we are raising funds for local families in need of help.”

Home-Start Aberdeen is a volunteer-led organisation, which provides vulnerable families with emotional and practical support in their own homes. Georgette Cobban, scheme manager, Home-Start Aberdeen says:

“We are thrilled that Richie and Gavin have chosen to raise funds for us in this way. The Tour de Vardy is an amazing challenge in itself, however we are aware that a lot of planning and training has also gone into this event.

“Although we have recruited a record number of volunteers this year, demand for our services continues to increase, so we desperately need to attract and train additional people. The money raised by the Peter Vardy cyclists will help to support this work so that we, in turn, can support a greater number of families.”

The Tour de Vardy is one of a series of fundraising events planned by Peter Vardy staff throughout their year of joint working with Home-Start Aberdeen. The cyclists’ appeal has already received a boost in the form of a £2000 pledge from their employer. Anyone who wishes to support their efforts can donate at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/PeterVardyVauxhallAberdeen.

Further information on Home-Start Aberdeen’s support services for families is available at www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk, telephone 01224 693545.

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Hundreds Take Part In CLAN Landmark Walk

Aberdeen City, Featured No Responses »

Sep 292016

Dr Colette Backwell, Lord Provost George Adam, Clancy and first walker Pam Kerr set the walkers off at Westburn Park

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

Hundreds of walkers donned purple at the weekend to help raise funds and awareness for a leading north-east cancer support charity.

More than 300 people took part in CLAN Cancer Support’s fourth Landmark Walk on Saturday, September 24.

Participants tackled one of two routes of either 13 miles or 7.8 miles and enjoyed a variety of prominent landmarks and spots throughout Aberdeen along the way.

The event was officially started by Lord Provost councillor George Adam as walkers set off in their droves from the city’s Westburn Park to tackle the trail.

The sea of purple walkers were greeted by hundreds of supporters on their return to the park throughout the day, with the green space behind the charity’s CLAN House headquarters transformed into a fun play area. Bouncy castles, an inflatable assault course, tea cup rides and face-painting, as well as BBQ catering and sweet treats provided fun for all the family.

With sponsorships and donations pouring in, the event, which was generously sponsored by Macduff Shellfish is on course to raise thousands of pounds which will aid the charity in continuing to provide free support services to anyone affected by cancer throughout the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“This is the fourth year we’ve held our Landmark Walk and the amount of support we have received for the event, from individuals, businesses, walkers and volunteers, particularly in the current economic climate, blew us away.

“Everyone at CLAN would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one for their contribution, whether it was by taking part in the walk, volunteering or sponsoring a participant.

“It was fantastic to see Westburn Park transformed into a happy sea of purple. It is always a special moment watching all the runners go past in their purple CLAN shirts. It was a very special day which was crucial in terms of raising both funds and awareness for the charity.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Aberdeen Voice

Sponsored Sleep-Out Helps Apprentices Smash Charity Target

Charity Out To Show Glass Is Half Full With The BEN

Financial Company Recognised For Charitable Efforts

Lots Up For Grabs In Annual Charity Auction

Dons 1976 Stars Reunite To Support North-east Charity

Charity Aims To Kit Kids Out In Warm Winter Wear

Lord Provost Unveils Erskine Bench In Seaton Park

Family And Friends Of Keith Woman Raise £11k For CLAN

Charity Cyclists Swap Four Wheels For Two

Hundreds Take Part In CLAN Landmark Walk