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/

Mega Year For Charity Fundraiser

 Aberdeen City, News  No Responses »
Sep 282017
 

Leona Glennie who has partial sight and hearing loss and Neil Skene who is blind get ready to take part in the Banchory Beast Race at Knockburn Loch. Picture by KEVIN EMSLIE

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

A blind fundraiser is about to conquer a challenging obstacle course as part of a year-long programme of endurance challenges.
Neil Skene, who is fundraising coordinator for North East Sensory Services (NESS) is taking on the Prime Four Banchory Beast Race this Saturday at Knockburn Loch, Banchory, as part of a group of 10 NESS supporters.

NESS, which has offices in Aberdeen, Elgin and Dundee, supports over 6500 people who have serious sight and or hearing loss.

The charity relies heavily upon fundraising, and Mr Skene organises a number events as well as taking on a number of challenges himself, along with colleagues and friends.

The fundraising co-ordinator, who is also Scotland’s only  blind comedian, is taking on eight different running challenges in 2017, raising money for the charity which provides advice and practical support to people with sensory impairment.

Having climbed Kilimanjaro in 2014, Mr Skene enjoys pushing himself and proving that, with the support of friends, nothing stops him from taking part in extreme challenges. He started the year early with the Lumphanan 10k detox race on 2nd January, and then took on the tough Run Garioch run on 26th March, followed in May by the 5k Dunecht Dash.

June saw Mr Skene, along with his running guide who is tethered to him by a piece of rope, join the 10k Fettermear race, before increasing training in time for the Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run in August.

Next for Mr Skene is the super obstacle race that is the Beast. An epic 10k race over tough Scottish terrain, the Prime Four Banchory Beast Race involves 25 mega obstacles, giant water slides, icy loch water, thick mud and swamp crossings. Mr Skene and his team took part in 2016, working together to guide Mr Skene and his colleague, Leona Glennie, who is deafblind. 

Not content with having taken part in Aberdeen’s first ever half marathon, Mr Skene is looking forward to beating his 2hrs 3mins time by tackling the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on 1st October.

Mr Skene said:

“It has been a fantastic year, with a great number of friends and colleagues getting out and about to raise money for NESS. We rely on donations and sponsorship to help us provide social groups, activities and information for blind and deaf people in the north-east.

“The Great Aberdeen Run was a great event for NESS, with over 40 people taking part. We raised more than £12,000 to help blind and deaf people in the area, and all had a fantastic day. The Beast race is challenging in different ways – not least the freezing cold water and knee-high mud! But we work together as a team and have a good laugh along the way.”

NESS CEO, Graham Findlay, said:

“We are all so proud of Neil, Leona and the NESS team. Taking part in big runs or climbing obstacles takes courage when you cannot see or hear. The success of these challenges is reliant upon the incredible team of guide runners and supporters, who play a vital role in keeping blind and deaf participants safe.”

Neil Skene and the NESS team can be sponsored at http://bit.ly/2f6Ed7I.

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Blindfold Walks Help Aberdeen To Remember A Charity

 Aberdeen City, Featured, Information  No Responses »
Sep 222017
 

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

One of Aberdeen’s oldest charities has been giving local people a taste of living without sight, during Remember a Charity Week.

North East Sensory Services (NESS), which has offices in Aberdeen, Dundee and Elgin, supports over 6500 people in the north-east who have sight or hearing impairment. 

The charity invited local dignitaries to experience what it feels like to live without sight this week, by taking them on a blindfold guided walk.

Aberdeen’s Lord Provost, Barney Crockett, was guided along Union Street and around the Town House buildings by NESS volunteer Christa Reid.

The Lord Provost wore glasses which demonstrated serious sight impairment and was given instruction by Ms Reid, to negotiate busy streets, steps, narrow doorways, revolving doors and busy corridors.

Russell Borthwick, Chairman of the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, agreed to be blindfolded while he was guided around the AGCC offices in Aberdeen, and Zoey Clark, World Athletics Championships silver medal winner and University of Aberdeen graduate, learned how to navigate Aberdeen Sports Village in a blindfold.

The Lord Provost said:

“Being inside, in a building I know well, seemed fairly comfortable thanks to the expert guiding, but as soon as we got outside I felt quite overwhelmed. It was fascinating and gave me a real insight into what life is like for people with a sensory impairment.”

Mr Borthwick, who was guided by NESS volunteer Hazel Young, added:

“I am lucky that my eyesight has never caused me any problems, so I was quite surprised by how frightening it was to walk with no and reduced vision. Corridors and paths which had seemed wide and open, felt very close, and walking downstairs was particularly challenging. I was very grateful to my expert guide, who made me feel much more at ease and I relied upon her totally. It really made me feel grateful for having good vision.”

Zoey Clark said:

“I was expecting my hearing to compensate

“but actually the noise and voices made walking around more difficult!

“I relied completely on my guide and often felt very disorientated – particularly outside when I know the track quite well!”

Graham Findlay, CEO NESS, said:

“Remember a Charity Week is an annual event which asks people to think about the charities in there area and consider leaving a legacy to help less advantaged people.

“Something as simple as walking along the street and up stairs can be very difficult for people who have limited or no vision. We are very grateful to the Lord Provost, Mr Borthwick, Miss Clark for taking time out of their busy days to help us demonstrate what life is like without sight, and how a little bit of expert help can make an huge difference.”

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Local Bike Ride Offers Doggy Daycare Service

 Aberdeenshire, Charity  No Responses »
Aug 202017
 

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

A North-east bike ride is to cater to those of the four-legged variety, with the launch of a new ‘doggy daycare’ service.

Furry visitors to this year’s Chapelton Bike Ride, which takes place on Sunday, September 3, will have access to a ‘doggy pit stop’, thanks to a local dog walker.

Chapelton resident, Jenna Smith, who runs Long Dog Walkies, will be providing complimentary treats, toys and water to weary pooches on the day of the bike ride.

She will also be running a raffle, giving one lucky dog owner the chance to win a hamper of doggy treats.

Owners can choose to stay with their pets, or leave them with Jenna for a short period of time, whilst they browse the full range of stalls and activities on offer.

The 28-year-old came up with the idea of the doggy pit stop after noticing the high number of dogs in attendance at last year’s bike ride, prompting her to contact the organisers of the event to offer her services.

Held in aid of North East Sensory Services (NESS), a charity that supports over 6,500 people with sensory impairments across the North-east, the inaugural Chapelton Bike Ride welcomed over 250 cyclists and hundreds of other spectators to the village of Chapelton last year.

Jenna said:

“I wanted to give something back to my local community by getting involved with this year’s bike ride, as I noticed there were a lot of doggy companions at last year’s event. As a dog owner myself, I felt it was important to provide a peaceful area where dogs could rest away from large crowds of people.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting lots of new furry friends and soaking up the atmosphere on the day. NESS provides invaluable support to many people across the North-east, so it is great that everyone is coming together to raise as much funds as possible.”

Neil Skene, fundraising co-ordinator at NESS, said:

“It is great to see the huge increase in the number of local businesses getting involved with this year’s bike ride. We’re very thankful to Jenna for offering a complimentary dog minding service, as this will encourage more people to come along to enjoy the wide range of activities on offer.

“Money raised from the Chapelton Bike Ride enables NESS to continuing supporting people with sensory impairments achieve independence, as well as helping them overcome any challenges they may face in day-to-day life. These services make such a big difference to the lives of so many people, so we are extremely grateful to everyone who is taking part and helping to fundraise.”

The Chapelton Bike Ride takes place on Sunday, September 3. Participants have the choice of a 42-mile bike ride, a 12-mile bike ride or a 5K walk.  

Registration costs £15 per person for the 42-mile route, £5 per person for the 12-mile route, or £15 for a team of four for the 12-mile cycle. The 5K walk is free to enter, but all participants must register via the website. Register for the Chapelton Bike Ride at www.chapeltonbikeride.co.uk. 

City Ice Hockey Team Supports Charlie House

 Aberdeen City, Sport  No Responses »
Aug 202017
 

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

Aberdeen’s premier ice hockey team has pledged to support a local children’s charity during its upcoming season.

The Aberdeen Lynx Ice Hockey Team, the second most supported sports team in the city, will be fundraising for Charlie House throughout the 2017/2018 season.

Charlie House is an Aberdeen-based charity that engages in activities and projects to support children with complex disabilities and life-limiting conditions.

It also provides practical and emotional support to families from diagnosis onwards, helping the transition home after a long stay in hospital and onwards through their life journey.

Players and committee members of the Aberdeen Lynx, which is a not-for-profit organisation, plan to organise fundraising events for Charlie House throughout the season, this will include a charity ice hockey game, plus various raffles and competitions.

Charlie House will also have an article in the Lynx programme, whilst its logo will feature prominently on all players’ and supporters’ replica tops for the season. 

Chairperson of Aberdeen Lynx Ice Hockey Club, Martin Hill, said:

“The Lynx are very proud to be partnering with Charlie House, as this will enable the charity to continue providing vital support for local children and their families affected by life-limiting conditions.

“We have been busy thinking up new and exciting ways for the Lynx to raise as much money as possible for Charlie House, as we are extremely passionate about getting behind worthy causes.”

Dr. Sorcha Hume, general manager of Charlie House, said:

“We are delighted to be selected as the charity partner for the Aberdeen Lynx Ice Hockey Club. A number of our families attended matches last season, after the team donated tickets, and had a fabulous time. As many of our families’ children have complex needs, it can be very difficult for them to enjoy a day out as a sporting event, as the access, equipment, and support they require can be substantial and sometimes it is just not possible.

“The Lynx team and management ensured everything was in place for our families to have the best possible time and for that we are very grateful. As a charity we depend on fundraising and partnerships to enable us to deliver the best possible support to our families. These funds will go towards the support of our everyday activities, such as our clubs and days out, so this new partnership is invaluable. We are very much looking forward to welcoming the Aberdeen Lynx to the Charlie House family.”

Shire Business Owners Support Local Bike Ride

 Aberdeenshire, Charity  No Responses »
Jul 282017
 

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

Owners of The Lounge, Kelly Daun and Norman Hatton keen to get involved with the event.

An Aberdeenshire salon is showing its commitment to the local community by supporting cyclists in the region’s newest bike ride.

In a bid to boost morale and community spirit, staff from The Lounge at Chapelton, near Newtonhill, will be providing complimentary leg and shoulder massages to cyclists at this year’s Chapelton Bike Ride.

Taking place on Sunday, September 3, the bike ride is held in aid of North East Sensory Services (NESS) and is returning to the village of Chapelton for the second year in a row. Last year, over 250 cyclists took part in the inaugural Chapelton Bike Ride, raising over £6,500 for NESS.

NESS, which has offices in Aberdeen, Elgin and Dundee, supports over 6,000 people in the North-east who have sight or hearing loss. The charity helps those with a sensory impairment to overcome the practical and emotional effects of serious sight and/or hearing loss, as well as guiding them to achieve more independence. 

Starting and finishing in Chapelton, the event’s 12-mile and 42-mile bike rides, as well as the newly launched 5K walk, will take participants around the picturesque Aberdeenshire countryside surrounding the area.

On completion of the bike rides, weary cyclists will then be treated to a variety of treatments from The Lounge that will help their muscles to recover faster. They will also receive a gift bag containing discount vouchers and other goodies.

Owners of The Lounge, Kelly Daun and Norman Hatton, both reside locally and were keen to get involved with such a large community event. The salon hadn’t opened at the time of the first Chapelton Bike Ride, so they felt it was important to give their support to cyclists fundraising for NESS.

Kelly said:

“Since the salon opened, we’ve been warmly welcomed by Chapelton residents and other local businesses. The Chapelton Bike Ride is a great way for us to give something back to our community, as well as providing a nice incentive to cyclists who are raising money for a very worthy cause.

“We hope that by offering complimentary massages, we can encourage even more cyclists to participate in the bike ride and raise funds for NESS. All of us at The Lounge are honoured to be involved in an event that benefits the entire community and we’re all looking forward to the day.”

Neil Skene, fundraising coordinator for NESS, said:

“We’re very thankful to the team at The Lounge for volunteering their services on the day of the Chapelton Bike Ride. We are aiming to make this year’s bike ride a fun day out for all the family and have already improved the range of activities on offer, so the complimentary massages will only add to this experience.

“All funds raised by cyclists, walkers and spectators will enable us to continue supporting our service users to overcome the practical and emotional effects of sight or hearing loss, so we are extremely grateful to all of those taking part.

“NESS staff will be there on the day to cheer on participants and take part in the sponsored 5K walk. It looks set to be a great day of sport and fun, so I urge people to get involved and enjoy the wide range of live music, food and drink stands, and family activities that will be on offer.”

The Chapelton Bike Ride, formerly the Great Stonehaven Bike Ride, is taking place on Sunday, September 3, and is raising funds for North East Sensory Services (NESS), a charity that supports over 6,000 sensory impaired people in the North-east.

North-east Sensory Services (NESS) promotes the needs of people with a sight or hearing loss.  NESS supports people with serious sight or hearing loss to overcome practical and emotional challenges and achieve independence.  Formerly Grampian Society for the Blind (GSB), North East Sensory Services (NESS) works with over 6,000 people with a sensory impairment in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dundee, Elgin and Moray.

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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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Moray Man Takes Part In Charity Sportive For Sixth Time

 Aberdeenshire, News  No Responses »
Jul 032017
 

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

A businessman from Moray recently geared up to raise vital funds for a North-east charity by participating in an annual sponsored bike ride.

Mervyn Stanley, from Elgin, took part in the Glen Moray Sportive for the sixth year in a row, in aid of North East Sensory Services (NESS), a charity that supports around 1,100 people in Moray who have significant sight and/or hearing loss by providing a wide range of services.

The Glen Moray Bike Ride, which took place on Sunday, 25 June, featured three cycling options, a 10-mile family friendly route, a 25-mile route and 75-mile sportive.

This was the 18th year that it was hosted by NESS, with support from Moray Council, and was sponsored for the fifth time by Elgin’s Glen Moray Distillery, which was the start and finishing point for riders.

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Charity Bike Ride To Include Walkers

 Aberdeenshire, Charity, Featured  No Responses »
Jul 032017
 

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

Chapelton residents with Neil Skene from NESS and the Duke and Duchess of Fife.

Organisers of Aberdeenshire’s newest bike ride are hoping to attract record numbers of participants through the launch of a new 5K charity walk.
The Chapelton Bike Ride returns for a second year on Sunday, September 3, with the addition of the new Chapelton 5K Walk sponsored by Liberty Retirement Living, which will coincide with the event’s 42-mile and 12-mile bike rides.

Held in aid of North East Sensory Services (NESS), the event was formerly the Great Stonehaven Bike Ride, before it moved to the village of Chapelton, near Newtonhill.

Last year, over 250 cyclists took part in the first ever Chapelton Bike Ride, raising over £6,500 for NESS.

NESS, which has offices in Elgin, Aberdeen and Dundee, supports over 6,000 people in the North-east who have sight or hearing loss. The charity helps those with a sensory impairment to overcome the practical and emotional effects of serious sight and/or hearing loss, as well as guiding them to achieve more independence.  

Event organisers hope that the launch of the walk will encourage people of all ages and abilities to get involved with the sporting event, especially those who are unable to participate in both the bike rides. Starting and finishing in Chapelton, the 5K route will take participants around the picturesque Aberdeenshire countryside surrounding Chapelton and Elsick.

Neil Skene, fundraising co-ordinator at NESS, said:

“We are all thrilled about the launch of the 5K Chapelton walk, as it opens up the event to a much more diverse group of people who might not have been able to take part in either of the bike rides.

“The first ever Chapelton Bike Ride was a complete success, we were very happy that most cyclists and spectators chose to stay and enjoy the variety of stalls that were available. This year, we hope to turn the event into a fun day for all the family and have improved the range of activities, food and drink options, and music on offer.

“I am proud to be part of an event that aims to involve every single member of the community. There will be something for everyone and I would like to encourage as many people as possible to come along, enjoy the day and help raise vital funds for NESS.”

Liberty Retirement Living, sponsors of the Chapelton Charity 5K Walk, are building a brand new retirement village in Chapelton, as part of the town’s next phase of development.

Karl Hallows, director of development and sales at Liberty Retirement Living, said:

“The first Chapelton Charity 5K walk promises to be a fantastic community event for residents of Chapelton and the surrounding area.

“We’re delighted to be able to support such a fun and inclusive event that promotes healthy, active lifestyles for everyone. Whatever your age, we’re sure there’ll be plenty to enjoy at this year’s inaugural charity walk.”

The Chapelton Bike Ride takes place on Sunday, September 3. Participants have the choice of a 42-mile bike ride, a 12-mile bike ride or a 5K walk.

Registration costs £15 per person for the 42-mile route, £5 per person for the 12-mile route, or £15 for a team of four for the 12-mile cycle. The 5K walk is free to enter, but all participants must register via the website. Register for the Chapelton Bike Ride at www.chapeltonbikeride.co.uk.

North-east Sensory Services (NESS) promotes the needs of people with a sight or hearing loss. 

NESS supports people with serious sight or hearing loss to overcome practical and emotional challenges and achieve independence. 

Formerly Grampian Society for the Blind (GSB), North East Sensory Services (NESS) works with over 6,000 people with a sensory impairment in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dundee, Elgin and Moray. 

Liberty Retirement Living: Building brand new communities in desirable locations across the country, Liberty Retirement Living is committed to improving the quality and experience of later life.

A Liberty Lifestyle combines good health, opportunities and independence with tailored care available if required – it’s our vision for enjoyable and modern retirement living, delivered with respect.

Our first retirement village in Scotland will be a vibrant 94-home community with a range of complementary facilities, at the heart of the growing town of Chapelton, Aberdeenshire.

A new Liberty marketing suite will open in Chapelton in September 2017 – in the meantime, please visit www.libertyretirement.co.uk for further details.

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AAM Awards £1,350 To Audiobook Charity

 Charity, Featured  No Responses »
Jun 232017
 

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

A donation from a global financial firm will provide access to audiobooks for people in the north east of Scotland suffering from visual, physical and learning difficulties. Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation has donated £1,350 to Listening Books, which
will be used to fully fund access for the charity’s users in
Aberdeen.

Offering over 7,000 titles, Listening Books provides audiobooks as downloads, mp3 CDs and via streaming services for anyone who struggles to read print due to conditions including arthritis, dyslexia or glaucoma.

Around 50,000 people across the UK use its services. In addition to supplying the most popular fiction titles, the charity also provides educational texts across a range of subject areas, ensuring pupils who experience difficulties reading can keep up with their studies.

Robert Marchant, development and office manager at Listening Books, says,

“For many of our older members with physical or visual impairments, our service not only provides a link to the wonderful world of books but is often a relief from pain, boredom and loneliness. The service helps many of our young members to realise their full academic potential and can foster a lifelong love of reading.

“We charge a subsidised membership fee to those who can afford it, but many cannot. We are very grateful to everyone at Aberdeen Asset Management for their support in fully funding free access to our service for Listening Books members in Aberdeen.”

As part of its Sound Learning initiative, Listening Books uses its in-house recording facilities to produce educational titles which are not commercially available in an audio format. The charity also commercially produces books for authors and publishers, the profits from which are funnelled straight back into its services.

Claire Drummond, head of charitable giving at Aberdeen Asset Management, says,

“Aberdeen Asset Management is committed to helping improve the lives of the people who live in the communities in which we operate. It’s easy to take for granted the simple pleasure of reading a good book, but thousands of people around the UK are unable to do so due to illness, disability or learning difficulties.

“Getting lost in a good book is a joy that no-one should be denied, and Aberdeen Asset Management is pleased to be able to support Listening Books users in Aberdeen.”

The Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact and the firm encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects.

The main focus of the Foundation is around emerging markets and local communities, reflecting the desire to give back to those areas which are a key strategic focus of the business and to build on the historic pattern of giving to communities in which Aberdeen employees live and work.

For more information about Listening Books, visit www.listening-books.org.uk  

For more information about the Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation, visit www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

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