Charity Archives - Page 15 of 41

“BIG” Fundraising For Africa

Apr 012016

With thanks to Kieran Booth.

In October last year Barthol Chapel resident Kieran Booth (pictured), was selected by the charity, First Aid Africa, to join their 2016 international expedition team of volunteers. From June 1st, the third-year Robert Gordon University student will be travelling to Kenya to teach life-saving First Aid to schools and communities in remote Sub-Saharan Africa.

First Aid Africa works to provide and encourage access to sustainable First Aid equipment and education, delivering emergency healthcare solutions to benefit the public.

Each year, the charity sends teams of volunteers to rural areas of Uganda, Malawi, Kenya and Tanzania to train communities in First Aid skills which they would otherwise not receive. It is a little known fact that injuries kill more people each year in Africa than HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis combined.

Having recently completed his Overseas First Aid training course, Kieran (20) is looking forward to the challenges that he will face during his expedition.

“It’s going to be a fairly tiring and demanding experience out in Kenya but I have no doubt it will be equally rewarding. I applied to get involved as I knew it would be something totally different and out of my comfort zone but it feels great knowing that I’ll be helping to provide support and make a real difference in areas where First Aid knowledge and resources are practically nil.”

The international First Aid training has provided the volunteers with knowledge of how to deal with casualties both within the UK and out in Africa.

“It’s been really interesting learning about the ways to treat various injuries but we have had to realise the importance of how administering First Aid overseas can differ from across here in the UK. Many of the materials that would be used to treat injuries in this country simply aren’t available in the parts that we are travelling to and so it’s all about being resourceful and using what little equipment you have in the most effective way. One simple triangular bandage has more uses than I ever thought!”

Kieran will be making the 4500-mile journey to Kenya from the beginning of June to begin a full month of teaching before the next group of overseas volunteers arrive to relieve them.

Ahead of the expedition Kieran is required to raise money for the charity to cover the costs of the various resources and materials required during the trip and beyond.

“There are a lot of worthy charities out there seeking donations and I appreciate it’s difficult for people to support as many as they would like to. I’ve organised fundraisers that I hope people will be keen to participate in – the aim is for people to enjoy themselves, be in with a chance of winning some super prizes and all while helping a good cause.”

‘The BIG North East Quiz Night’ will take place on Saturday 23rd April in the Melvin Hall in Tarves from 7pm – suitable for all ages.

Tickets for ‘The BIG North East Raffle’ are also on sale, which features an array of prizes from businesses across Aberdeenshire and beyond.

Tickets can be reserved for both fundraisers by emailing kieransfundraising@hotmail.com

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Charity In Urgent Need Of Volunteer Drivers

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Mar 242016

With thanks to Future Choices.

Whilst most Charities seek your help when it comes to funding.

Local Voluntary Charity Future Choices is desperately seeking Voluntary drivers to help them keep going and providing a vital service within the local community.

The Charity which is 100% run by a dedicated team of Volunteers needs more drivers to come forward and help.

Most members who use the service rely on being collected by their dedicated bus, but if they have no driver available on the day – the Charity automatically grinds to a hault.

Chairman of the group, David Forbes states:

“It’s so hard especially these days to seek volunteers to help out but to seek voluntary drivers is even harder, and that’s why im making a desperate plea to people who could help, to come forward.“

Future Choices runs it’s weekly service supporting the most vulnerable in the community every Tuesday from 11am at their Garthdee base, Inchgarth Community Centre.

They need volunteer drivers to come forward and be able to help from 9am till around 4pm on a Tuesday.

David added:

“The worse case scenario would be to suspend the group gatherings if their was no drivers available – which would completely devastate the community and the charity and it’s members.”

If you feel you can help, you can contact David on 0800 5668728 or email info@future-choices.org.uk

McNasty’s Quizzers Raise Funds To Help Kids’ Charity

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Mar 172016

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

The customers of an Aberdeen bar have shown their generosity by raising thousands of pounds for an Aberdeen children’s charity.

Regulars at McNasty’s on Summer Street raised £4,000 during 2015 for north-east charity Cash for Kids, which will use the money to fulfil applications for grant funding.

The fundraising initiative was spearheaded by the owners of McNasty’s, Stephen and Linda Taylor, who were keen for the pub to support a charity, with a regular quiz night forming the core of the effort.

Cash for Kids was chosen as the nominated charity last year after everyone involved in organising the quiz heard about the work that the charity does to improve the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

The landlords enlisted regulars Barry Cooke and Iain Sluyter to run the fortnightly quiz in the city centre bar. Six years on, setting each quiz is a challenge the duo still relish. Around 15 teams of five take part in each quiz, all keen to test their knowledge on subjects including sport, current affairs, history and general knowledge.

Alongside the fortnightly quiz, the bar has organised a number of fundraising initiatives, including raffles, race nights, and band nights. Bar manager Claire-Louise Duff, assisted by other staff members, organises the raffles which feature donations from local businesses including Apache North Sea, while local Ronnie Falconer hosts the race nights. All of the bands that take to the stage on band nights do so free of charge.

After raising £4,000 in 2015 for Cash for Kids, the pub is continuing to raise money for the charity in the coming year, with the quiz continuing to form an important part of this. Quiz dates are advertised on the McNasty’s website www.mcnastys.co.uk and Facebook page.

Quiz organiser Barry Cooke said:

“Over the past six years the quiz has grown in popularity, enabling us to raise thousands of pounds for charity. When we heard about the work Cash for Kids does and some of the appeals that it runs we wanted to lend our support.

“The response from the regulars at McNasty’s has been fantastic. Everyone involved in the fundraising is really pleased with the amount that was raised last year and knows it will be put to good use helping children across the north-east. Our fundraising for 2016 is already off to a great start.”

Cash for Kids supports sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under the age of 18 living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. It will use the donation to help fulfil applications in its next round of quarterly grant funding. The charity provides grants four times a year to support young individuals and their families, improving their quality of life.

Funding is also granted to community groups to aid the delivery of various projects that benefit local children. This has included grants to community run playgroups, breakfast clubs, sports clubs and skate parks. Applications for grants must include supporting information and be submitted by the end of January, May, June and September each year.

Cash for Kids charity manager Michelle Ferguson said:

“The management and customers at McNasty’s have done a brilliant job in raising £4,000 over the past year. Everyone has put in a huge effort to fundraise for Cash for Kids over the past year and we can’t thank them enough. The donation will enable us to make important and positive differences to the lives of the children that we support.

“Having taken part in some of the quiz nights I know how much fun Barry and Ian make them. The questions test your general knowledge, but it is a great opportunity to learn some new facts, have a good night out, whilst raising money for charity.”

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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Charity Boss Shortlisted For Male Role Model Of The Year

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

Mar 112016

With thanks to Future Choices.

Local Voluntary Charity Chairman, David Forbes, has been shortlisted for a prestigious award under the category of Male Role Model of the Year on behalf of local events company Wobia Entertainment House.
The purpose of the awards ceremony is to recognise achievement from all sectors.

Charity Boss David said:

“I simply cannot believe it. Again I have been nominated and now shortlisted. Last year I was lucky enough to win and this year I have again been shortlisted.

“I’m so honoured as I only set out to make the lives of disabled people better as much as I can”

David runs a local voluntary charity called Future Choices, the charity provides vital social inclusion and recreational activities to those who have a physical disability. They provide sessions every Tuesday from 11-1 from their base at Inchgarth Community Centre in Garthdee.

The charity boss added:

“If I win, it will push me even more to help those who really need it and will be dedicated to my dear mother, whom I do this work for, and her pals.”

The results are down to the public voting, so if you feel David deserves your vote, follow the link, you need to Register, confirm email and select David Forbes for Male Role Model of the Year

http://www.wobiaentertainmenthouse.co.uk/login.html

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Give The Gift Of Wild Woman For Mother’s Day

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Mar 032016

Wild things! offer a variety of inspiring wilderness and nature based experiences.

With thanks to Chris Muir.

Would your Mum or Granny enjoy a night sleeping under the stars? How would she fair on a short break in a remote mountain bothy?
Environmental education charity Wild things! has launched dates for their Wild Woman breaks for 2016, giving women throughout the UK the opportunity to embrace their wild side and learn some craft skills that will enrich their time outdoors.

With no experience required, the Wild Woman breaks promise to inspire, educate and fulfill participants with new found the confidence and skills in engaging with the great outdoors.

We want to encourage women to swap their hectic daily lives for one of two wilderness escapes; a four-day break in the enchanting mountain surroundings of Glen Affric from 14th – 17th May; or a three day camp on the pristine Moray Firth Coast from 9th – 11th September.

Arriving in true castaway fashion, the weekend will begin by boat or a walk in to a remote location. From there, the intrepid explorers will learn traditional living skills such as how to identify wild edible and medicinal plants, cooking over an open fire, having a go at some creative camp craft, as well as sleeping in a hammock or tipi under the stars.

Jennie, lead instructor for the course, with over 20 years experience of delivering nature based activities, says,

“Wild Woman offers women a truly wonderful wilderness break. The courses will be restorative, inspiring and fun. You don’t have to be butch, brave or buxom for this course as we all work together as a team. There will be some challenges but only those that will leave you feeling more alive than you ever thought possible, as well as totally in love with the natural world (if you weren’t already!).”

Wild things! is a Scottish environmental education charity based in Findhorn, Moray. Wild things! offer a variety of inspiring wilderness and nature based experiences for all ages and abilities regardless of learning challenges, or physical and financial difficulties. For more information about any of our programmes visit our website www.wild-things.org.uk, or call us on 01309 690450.

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MP Opens New Premises For Local Charity

Aberdeenshire, Opinion No Responses »

Mar 032016

SNP MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford has offered her very best wishes to a local Banff charity, after opening its new premises on Saturday.

Home-Start Deveron has now moved to 10 Carmelite Street, Banff. The charity works with local families, providing play opportunities for under 5s, and support for parents. Volunteers, many of whom are parents themselves, offer friendly, informal advice to help ensure that every parent has access to the support and advice necessary to give their children a good upbringing.

The group was established in 1999 and operates throughout the Deveron Valley area, serving Aberchirder, Banff, Huntly, Macduff, Portsoy, Turriff and surrounding areas.

Speaking at the opening. Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP – who serves as SNP Westminster spokesperson on Social Justice and Welfare – said:

“I would like to offer my congratulations to Home-Start Deveron on securing their new premises. Organisations like Home-Start depend on volunteers who enjoy helping kids get a great start in life, and it was an absolute pleasure meeting with some of these remarkable individuals who give their time for such a great local cause.

“The group is always looking for volunteers, and I would encourage anyone who thinks they can help to come forward. It’s difficult to overstate just how valuable the group’s work is.”

Home Start can be contacted on 01261 819964.

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Aker Solutions Staff Drum Up Funds For CLAN

Aberdeen City, Charity, Featured No Responses »

Feb 292016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

Staff at Aker Solutions visits CLAN House in Aberdeen.

Kind-hearted staff at a leading oil and gas services company have helped raise more than £36,000 for a north-east cancer support charity after undertaking a year of fundraising events.

Employees from Aker Solutions took part in a host of activities throughout 2015 in an effort to raise funds for CLAN Cancer Support after Aberdeen staff selected the charity as their nominated cause for the year.

The campaign saw a range of challenges completed alongside various fundraising initiatives.

From a mini sports day, a sky dive and a ski trip to participation in the popular Tough Mudder event, a race night and bake sales, a variety of events were tackled with all funds raised set to be used by CLAN to aid its provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

The employees didn’t just stop at fundraising, with staff also volunteering their time at a number of the charity’s events throughout the last 12 months including its ladies afternoon and children’s Christmas party. CLAN has also been able to return the favour, showcasing a range of its services and providing information and advice at the company’s family fun afternoon and HSE week.

Aimee Ross, community ambassador at Aker Solutions, said:

“We worked closely with CLAN throughout 2015 and I’d like to thank our staff for their enthusiasm and willingness to support the charity in the last 12 months; to raise more than £36,000 is a fantastic total and testament to their efforts.

“I am particularly pleased that alongside the fundraising element of the campaign, we’ve spent time volunteering with the charity as well as being able to learn more about its offerings and services. There’s been a mutual benefit to the link-up and we’re delighted with just how successful it has been.

“Cancer is an illness that affects so many people here in the north-east and we’re proud to know that we’ve been part of CLAN’s quest to provide comfort and help to those who need it most within the region.”

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support, said:

“On behalf of all at CLAN, I’d like to say a massive thank you to the staff at Aker Solutions for their efforts throughout the year. To raise such an impressive amount of money is a fantastic achievement and one that they should be incredibly proud of reaching.

“Donations like these, especially in the current economic climate, are of great importance to CLAN as they play such an integral role in allowing us to reach out to those affected by cancer throughout the north-east of Scotland; the dedicated efforts of staff can make such a big difference and is of great value to 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.

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, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Pillow Fight To Fund Children’s Beds

Aberdeen City, Charity, Featured No Responses »

Feb 292016

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

It will be pillows at dawn in Aberdeen next month as teams fight it out to be crowned Scotland’s best bed maker.
Organised by north-east children’s charity Cash for Kids, the Scottish Bed Making Championship will be held in the Granite City on Thursday, 31 March.

The competition is part of the Aberdeen-based charity’s annual Bed Appeal which runs throughout March.

It is hoped the appeal will raise £20,000 to enable the purchase of beds for around 150 disabled and disadvantaged children living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

This is the second time the unique competition has been held and this year will be staged at the Crowne Plaza Aberdeen Airport. Teams of four will to be tested on their bed making precision and speed, with points being awarded for each task. The two highest scoring teams will then go head-to-head in a bed race to be crowned Scottish Bed Making Champions.

Reigning champions are the staff at Crerar Thainstone House Hotel who showed that their hospital corners were a cut above the rest of the competition last year. The team is confident about their chances of retaining their title against a bigger field of competitors.

General manager Morag Clark said:

“The team at Thainstone are excited to again be involved in the Scottish Bed Making Championship and we hope to successfully defend our title. It was great fun last year and it is fantastic way to support such a worthy cause.”

A number of the Aberdeen’s top hotels have already signed up to take part in the contest. The number of entries is already up on last year, but Cash for Kids is encouraging businesses from all sectors to get involved, including nursing and healthcare providers. Entries cost £100 per team of four, with all proceeds going to the Cash for Kids Bed Appeal.

Now in its fourth year, the month-long Bed Appeal aims to provide disadvantaged children with a bed of their own and disabled children with specialist beds. Over the last three years, the appeal has helped Cash for Kids provide new beds for over 350 local children.

The charity is also calling on the north-east public to fundraise for the Bed Appeal throughout March. Cash for Kids is encouraging people to wear slippers to work for a month, organise breakfast bake sales, and hold onesie or pyjama to work days. Employers are also being asked to consider raffling off an extra day’s holiday as a duvet day in support of the appeal.

Cash for Kids charity manager Michelle Ferguson said:

“The Scottish Bed Making Championship is open to anyone who wants to show off their bed making prowess. Entries from businesses of all sizes and operating in all sectors are welcome. It really is a fun event and great for teambuilding as everyone has to work together efficiently.

“The contest and the month-long Bed Appeal will once again highlight the issue of poverty in the region that is all too often hidden. We continue to be surprised by the number of applications we receive requesting beds for children who are forced to share beds with siblings or even sleep on a mattress on the floor.”

To register a team for the Scottish Bed Making Championship or for more information on the Bed Appeal visit www.northsound1.com/bed.

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Glittering Night Of Music Raises Funds For CLAN

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Feb 292016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

A glittering evening of music, hosted by Aberdeen woman Carol Norrie, has raised more than £12,000 for CLAN Cancer Support.

The dinner dance, which took place at the Chester Hotel in Aberdeen, was the first fundraising event that Carol has organised for the charity.

Following the success of the event Carol said:

“My father, Dave Allan, was diagnosed with lung cancer in June. Following his diagnosis and treatment, I visited CLAN Cancer Support in Aberdeen and was really impressed by the services offered to individuals and families affected by cancer. I came away determined to do anything I could to help to make a difference.

“Many people I spoke to who had been affected by cancer were unaware of the services that CLAN offers, and some believed CLAN provided respite care. I wanted to do anything I could to increase awareness of the services offered at CLAN House and CLAN Haven.

“As a guitarist and singer from the age of 12, my father has a great passion for music so I saw an opportunity to base an event around music and invite local artists to attend. I was delighted when Oliver Richards, Colin Newbury and Cameron Jay agreed to lend their support.”

Carol’s family also has a special connection with CLAN Cancer Support, with Carol’s parents Dave and Marion having been married in Rosemount Parish Church, CLAN’s former Aberdeen base, in 1971, and both Carol and her brother, David, were also christened in the church.

Carol added:

“Our family connections with CLAN just cemented the feeling that I needed to do all that I could to support this fantastic charity. I was overwhelmed by the support from friends, family and local companies, and to raise more than £12,000 was a wonderful feeling.

“I certainly won’t be stopping there though, my husband now volunteers at CLAN and I’m already looking towards my next fundraising challenge. I don’t know what that might be but I already have lots of ideas!”

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support, said:

“We are delighted that Carol’s dinner was such a success and wish to thank Carol and her family for selecting CLAN as the beneficiary for the evening. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by Carol, her family and friends, towards CLAN is inspiring.”

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

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Walk With CLAN Cancer Support This Mother’s Day

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Feb 252016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

A leading north-east cancer support charity is giving people the chance to come together this Mother’s Day by holding a special walk.

CLAN Cancer Support’s seventh annual Mother’s Day walk will take place within the grounds of Westburn Park in Aberdeen on Sunday, March 6.

The charity recognises that Mother’s Day can often be a difficult time for mothers who have lost a son or daughter or for individuals who have lost their own mother or wife and is giving people the chance to share part of what is a significant day for many with it.

The event is inspired by Macduff woman and CLAN supporter Marjorie Nicholson who organised a sponsored walk after losing her son to cancer on Mother’s Day in 2007. After raising more than £6,000 at the event, CLAN was inspired by her courage and began organising and hosting a similar walk in Aberdeen.

The 1km walk itself can be completed as many times as an individual chooses, with an opportunity to be sponsored to do so also available for participants.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“Our Mother’s Day walk is one of our most touching events throughout our year-long calendar and we’d be thrilled to welcome you along on a day that holds a special place for many.

“Westburn Park is a lovely location for the walk, which is open to anyone of all ages and abilities, with many choosing in the past to walk in memory of a loved one. We want to create a day that can often be viewed with a sense of fear into something positive, with the walk able to provide comfort and support to all those who attend.”

Registration on the day will take place between 9.30am and 10am in CLAN House on Westburn Road. The walk will start at 10am and continue until noon.

If you would like to take part adults cost £5 and children are free. Please contact Darren Hill at CLAN to register on 01224 651034 or email darren.hill@clanhouse.org

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

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