Choices Archives - Aberdeen Voice

Young Volunteer Fundraises Without Asking For Cash

Aberdeen City, Charity, Featured No Responses »

Jan 102021

With thanks to David Forbes.

Saltire Awards Achiever Volunteer, Lucas Mackenzie, 13, from Tillydrone, Aberdeen is fundraising for Local voluntary led charity Future Choices, but isn’t asking for your donations directly.

He’s launched an online shopping fundraising effort which enables members of the public to help Future Choices’ users by simply shopping as they normally would after registering with shopping websites Easyfundraising and Amazon Smile.

Once registered, members simply do their normal shopping and a small percentage is then donated to the charity by the retailer – not the customer.

Lucas stated:

“To be fundraising in this way is really good as it actually raises money without the buyer giving any extra. So it’s a win-win all round.”

So far Lucas has raised around £26. He has produced an information film which can be watched on the following link; https://youtu.be/DmIHu_vf0ZM

David Forbes, chairman of Future Choices and Lucas’s mentor added:

“To have Lucas leading this unique fundraiser is these most challenging times shows real determination to still help and support the most vulnerable.”

There is a Facebook page so that the public can keep up to date with the ongoing project.
https://www.facebook.com/ShoppingFundraiser/

Young Volunteer To Be Recognised By Local Charity

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jul 142017

With thanks to Future Choices.

A local Voluntary Charity is to recognise one of their dedicated volunteers.

Future Choices, based at Inchgarth Community Centre, Garthdee, which supports adults with a Physical Disability will have one of their youngest volunteers lead the charity on the forthcoming Celebrate Aberdeen Parade on Saturday 26th August.

The young volunteer, Lewis Bannerman, is currently working through his Saltire Awards, a programme that recognises young people volunteering within their local community.

David Forbes, Chair of the charity said:

“Since Lewis has started volunteering with Future Choices, he’s already reached his 25 hours stage so far and is actively involved in various tasks, a shining example of the good things young people can achieve. It is with this dedication that Lewis has shown, I have chosen him to lead the charity down on the parade with pride and I’m thrilled he accepted the request”.

Lewis, the Saltire Award achiever said:

“Future Choices has given me opportunities and has helped me to gain skills and how to work with others and leading the charity down on the parade will be a great opportunity to show off Future Choices”

Lewis’s mum, Diane also added:

“Since Lewis has been volunteering with Future Choices, he’s been very active, so to hear from the Chairman, that in order to recognise Lewis’s amazing efforts, he’ll lead the charity down union street for the upcoming Celebrate Aberdeen Parade. His Dad and I are incredibly proud of him”

Future Choices will turn 10 years old next year and have a busy programme from now until next year in which Lewis will play a key role.

David concluded:

“It’s always amazing when young people come forward and want to help support others and I feel through the Saltire programme, this is hugely beneficial, Lewis is going to go from strength to strength and he will inspire others and I congratulate him on that”

For more information of Future Choices, visit www.future-choices.org.uk or to get in touch, email info@future-choices.org.uk

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Charity Boss Calls For Return Of Taxi Card Scheme

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jun 022017

With thanks to Future Choices.

Local Charity Boss, David Forbes is calling on city Councillors to bring back the much loved Taxi Card Scheme.

Mr Forbes who is Chair of Local Voluntary Disabled Charity Future Choices is hoping something can be done.

David explained:

“Since the scheme ceased in 2010, so much has changed, disabled people are struggling even more, so if the council can relieve some financial pressure to help disabled people, that can only be a good thing”

Mr Forbes is in the process of contacting Local Councillors to see what they think and if they back his calls

David added “Disabled people can find themselves extremely isolated and prisoners in their own homes, if the council can find a way to make things better, im all for it.

Mr Forbes has set up a Facebook page, for those wishing to support his campaign, you can find the link here

https://www.facebook.com/TaxiCardScheme/

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Future Choices Launches New Fundraiser

Aberdeen City, Charity 2 Responses »

May 192017

With thanks to Future Choices.

Future Choices, which is a local, voluntary charity based at Inchgarth Community Centre, Garthdee, supporting adults with a physical disability to gain social inclusion, has launched a new fundraiser, where everyone can get involved, to support such a vital cause.

David Forbes, Chair of the charity explained:

“One of the main jobs running a charity, is raising much needed funds to keep funding what we do within the local community”

Future Choices is in it’s 9th year now and is growing from strength to strength by continuing to reach out to more people within the community.

David added,

“I would encourage as many people to get involved, the first prize we have up for grabs is superb and it’s only £5 per number”

If you wish to support Future Choices, please follow the link https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/futurechoices/bonusball-2017

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School Pupil Recognised By Local Charity

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Apr 012017

With thanks to Future Choices.

Local voluntary charity Future Choices, which supports disabled adults gain social inclusion, have had the help of a new volunteer in their bid to attract more young people to get involved on a voluntary basis.

Lewis Bannerman takes the lead role in the Charities new promotional video, which is telling the story of what Future Choices is all about and how people can get involved.

David Forbes, Chairman explained:

“Having Lewis involved with this exciting project was so amazing, to see someone young and energised and happy to help should be an inspiration to all, and show the public that not all young people are “bad””

Diane Bannerman, Lewis’s Mother said:

“As Lewis’s mother, im bursting with pride that he has had the opportunity to participate in a lead role aiming to inspire other people, particularly the young generation to help out good causes.”

Watch the promotional video.

The Charity is in it’s 9th year and is looking for not only Volunteers but also Volunteer Drivers, to help keep their 2 buses on the road.

Can you help support Future Choices? check out www.future-choices.org.uk or email info@future-choices.org.uk

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Voluntary Disabled Charity Celebrates 8th Anniversary

Aberdeen City, Information 1 Response »

Sep 232016

future-choices-16 With thanks to Future Choices.

Future Choices is a local voluntary run Charity which provides social inclusion and recreational activities to some of the most vulnerable adults within the city.

To Celebrate this Anniversary, the Charity has teamed up with Fashion Guru, Lydia Kemunto, Director of Aberdeen Fashion Week to showcase some amazing fashion as well as putting on some amazing entertainment.

Lydia said:

“At Aberdeen Fashion Week, we are very passionate about supporting our community, that’s why we decided to be part of Future Choices 8th birthday celebrations. We will be doing a fashion show with 4 of our designers. We are very proud to be associated.”

Charity Vice Chairman, Devon Thompson added:

“Future Choices Celebrating 8 years of Voluntary work within the community touching so many lives in such a positive way is an amazing achievement. Without the support from the people of the city, we wouldnt be where we are now, so I thank you all so much.”

The Charity has also launched a TEXT giving service,so to donate to Help Future Choices raise much needed funds to help them carry on their voluntary work.

Text: FCIS08 £5 to 70070

Visit www.future-choices.org.uk for updates.

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Young Volunteer Steps Up For Disabilities Charity

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Aug 042016

With thanks to David Forbes.

Voluntary Disabled Charity Future Choices Celebrates it’s Eighth Year this year with the introduction of it’s youngest committee member taking up the role of Vice Chairman.

Devon Thompson (21) joined Future Choices a few years ago and then had to leave to pursue others life commitments before recently returning to help out with many of the Charity’s key projects.

He works tirelessly to make sure the members are catered for when the group meets up every Tuesday from 11-2 at their base at Inchgarth Community Centre in Garthdee.

Charity Chairman, David Forbes explained:

“Having Devon on my management committee has been a tremendous asset to running the group and now he’s taking the role on as my deputy, he’s the perfect man for the job, young, energetic and very inspirational. In my view this is the greatest motivation to many young volunteers out there – that you can achieve success with hard work and determination.”

Devon said:

“I am deeply and truly honoured to be elected as Vice Chairman of Future Choices. I have served in the care sector for four years now and have never come across such a dedicated and hardworking Charity, with a constant hunger to grow and develop as an organisation that puts the emphasis on the well being of their members, I am truly humbled that they have shown support and faith in my abilities.”

David added:

“Devon taking up this role is very humbling to me as the Charity heads to it’s biggest milestone of 10 years in 2 years time, so to keep the group vibrant and progressive is something Devon will be involved with alongside me and the rest of my team.”

Devon Concluded:

“It is my deepest desire to rise to the challenge and develop. In my experience, collaboration is the stuff of growth and I look forward to working further with the committee to provide for our members greater choices, for the future.”

For more information on Future Choices, visit www.future-choices.org.uk

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Charity Boss Scoops Two Prestigious Awards

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Apr 222016

With thanks to Future Choices.

Local man, David Forbes has recently been awarded with two prestigious awards at a special awards ceremony hosted by entertainment and events company Wobia Entertainment House.

The awards ceremony recognises a vast amount of people from all walks of life to recognise the contribution they give to society.

David, Future Choices charity boss explained:

“The public were encouraged to vote for me for Male Role Model of the Year, which in itself is a huge honour. To win, however, is simply amazing and feels incredible., so I want to say a massive thanks to those that voted for me.”

David was then awarded Special Recognition for Services to Humanity.

The Charity Boss added:

“When you do things that you love doing and you see it benefiting others, that is in my view the best ever feeling, seeing people who can be so isolated, smile, that’s just priceless.”

David runs the local voluntary charity every Tuesday at Inchgarth Community Centre from 11am -2pm, and the group provides vital social inclusion for those who may not get out and about due to many life challenges. Visit www.future-choices.org.uk

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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

Disabilities Charity Seeks New Volunteers

Aberdeen City, News 1 Response »

Nov 262015

With thanks to Future Choices.

Local Voluntary Charity Future Choices turns 7 years old this weekend which means they should be celebrating with joy, however the Chairman of the Charity has concerns going into the new year.

The Charity has been providing much needed social inclusion to the most vulnerable individuals across the city by providing recreational activities.

As most organisations find themselves going through hurdles like funding, transport – Future Choices is struggling with the downturn in volunteers.

Chairman David Forbes said:

“I understand and totally appreciate that people live busy lifestyles but that can prove extremely challenging for us running our group gatherings & outings, if the volunteers cannot for what ever reason make it along”.

If the charity does not manage to attract new volunteers from the ages 16+, it could mean an impact on services in the future, like how often the group runs it’s group gatherings and other outings.”

David added:

“It’s amazing to think a group which delivers so much and runs 100% voluntary is still going strong to date – however i want to still continue to deliver a voluntary service to the community in the future, so I’m making a desperate plea for help.”

If you are interested in Volunteering with Future Choices, please email them on: info@future-choices.org.uk or freephone them on 0800 5668728.

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