Fundraising Archives - Page 8 of 18

CLAN Cancer Support Raises Awareness Of Myeloma

Jun 242016

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

Diagnosed with a rare form of bone marrow cancer five years ago, John Boylan didn’t know anyone who had been through a similar experience.

With the support of his wife Christine, and his family, John went through treatment and therapy for multiple myeloma, not knowing what to expect or what lay ahead of him.

They often spoke of their wish for a local support group and gave encouragement to a former international athlete and CLAN Cancer Support patron, Mel Edwards, to make this a reality in 2014.

The Aberdeen Myeloma Support Group, led by Mel and supported by Myeloma UK, was established in September of that year and met on a monthly basis.

Mel had to hand over the leadership to John and Christine early this year, due to pressure of work, but he is still involved and helps to source guest speakers.

During Myeloma Awareness Week which runs from June 21 to June 28, John and Christine are hoping to raise the profile of both myeloma and the Aberdeen Myeloma Support Group.

As part of the week, CLAN Cancer Support is holding a Myeloma Awareness Day on Wednesday, June 22, which the couple are supporting.

John said:

“Most people feel overwhelmed when they are told that they have myeloma. It’s a cancer that very few people have heard about and it affects people in different ways. You go through many different emotions when you hear the news and although this is hard on the patient, it is difficult for your carer and your family.

“Christine had to adapt to the new role of carer, making sure that I was taking the proper medication, looking out for symptoms that could arise and generally looking after me. You never know what the next stage will be with myeloma, this can be very difficult.

“It is a tremendous comfort to speak to someone who is going through the same thing and that is one of the many reasons why we were anxious to encourage the setting up of a support group The group continues to help us so much and we would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness of the condition and let those living with myeloma know that there are people locally who can help.”

Multiple myeloma is a cancer which stems from plasma cells and affects multiple places in the body where bone marrow is normally active in an adult.

With around 4,800 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK, it is uncommon and there is currently no cure, however treatment can often help control the condition for several years.

CLAN’s Myeloma Awareness Day will give people access to up to date information, a variety of taster sessions and a guest speaker. Members of the Myeloma Group, which meets regularly at CLAN House, will also be on hand to discuss the condition and answer any queries from visitors.

Taster complementary therapies aimed at relaxation, pain and stress management will be held from 10.30am until 2pm, while ‘Move More’ sessions will take place at 11.30am and 12.30pm. All sessions will last 20 minutes and will be held at CLAN House.

Dr Mohammed Khan, Consultant Haematologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, will also give a talk from 2.30pm about ‘Secondary Immunodeficiency and its Management’ to which anyone is welcome to attend.

Christine, who helps organise the group, added:

“None of us had heard of myeloma before John’s diagnosis. It was hard seeing John so ill, there are good times and not so good times. Sharing your experiences with others going through the same thing can make a big difference and is such a vital line of support at times.

“Meeting up can be a nice break for people and also a chance to find out what has helped others. You find out more about the disease and the kinds of treatment that people are having. People are very friendly and we have all got to know each other.

“There is a lot of trust and support in the group as you end up talking about personal things. It is a very positive environment and we would like to encourage anyone to come along to CLAN for the Myeloma Awareness Day and find out a bit more.”

CLAN’s community bases throughout north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland will also be displaying information about Myeloma throughout Myeloma Awareness Week.

The Myeloma Support group is aimed at helping those coping with a diagnosis and their family members and carers, with the support of Myeloma UK, and meets monthly at CLAN House on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 2.30pm.

For further information please contact CLAN Cancer Support on 01224 647000.

Myeloma UK is the only organisation in the UK dealing exclusively with myeloma, a bone marrow cancer for which there is no cure. Our broad and innovative range of services cover every aspect of myeloma from providing information and support, to improving standards of treatment and care through research and campaigning.

For further information about Myeloma UK, visit www.myeloma.org.uk

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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Walker Road Gets Ready To Bounce At Bon Accord

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jun 242016

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

An Aberdeen primary school is jumping at the chance to take part in one of the city centre’s newest fundraising events.

Five classes from Walker Road Primary School have signed up for this weekend’s Big Bounce at Bon Accord which takes place within the roof garden above the St Nicholas Centre this weekend, June 25-26.

The enhanced area, which last year saw over £200,000 worth of improvements made to it, will see a total of eight inflatables installed throughout the course of the weekend, with the shopping centre appealing for both kids and big kids to join it on the day.

The pupils from Walker Road Primary will take part in a special fundraising Big Bounce on the Friday before the weekend, with every class bouncing for half an hour to raise funds for the event. Big Bounce at Bon Accord falls under the UK-wide One Great Day initiative and will this year raise funds for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity and Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support.

Gillian Graham, depute head teacher at Walker Road School, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting this year’s Big Bounce at Bon Accord and we’re looking forward to attending the Friday school session.

“The pupils have been busy collecting pennies which will go towards two very worthwhile causes and some have even been practicing at home on trampolines in preparation for the day itself. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic new event for the city and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“I’d like to thank Walker Road for its enthusiasm in supporting Big Bounce at Bon Accord and I can’t wait to welcome the pupils for their half hour sponsored session.

“All money raised will go towards our overall One Great Day fundraising total which will be split this year between CLAN Cancer Support and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity. Both causes provide invaluable support, advice and information to children and families here in the north-east so we’re delighted to be doing our bit on their behalf.”

As well as a range of inflatables and bouncy castles, the event will showcase various entertainment and music which will add to the party atmosphere throughout the two days. A selection of different food and drink stalls will also be present.

Attendees will be able to purchase tokens on the day for use of the inflatables, with all profits raised being split between both causes.

For more information, please visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com or the Big Bounce @ Bon Accord’s dedicated Facebook event page.

One Great Day is the brainchild of Bon Accord & St Nicholas owner BMO Real Estate and sees a range of local fundraising events held at its shopping complexes throughout the UK. All funds raised go towards Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and one other charity of each centre’s choice.

For more information on the day and school involvement, please visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com

Bon Accord & St Nicholas are at the heart of Aberdeen city centre’s retail sector, offering 840,000 sq ft of prime space and home to around 100 stores.

Scotland’s largest Next, Aberdeen’s only Topshop and Topman standalone store as well as the City’s largest New Look and River Island are among the key retailers, as well as H&M and New Look. Bon Accord also boasts a boutique store line up with retailers including Jigsaw, Hobbs, Phase Eight and Jo Malone.

The centres, which attract an average of 275,000 visitors a week, are owned by BMO Real Estate Partners and managed by specialist retail agency Savills.

For further on the centres visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com.

Pay Day For North-East Charities

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Jun 242016

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

A series of POWWOWS to help people deal with mental health issues will take place in the Granite City after a mental health charity received £500 from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation.
During 2014-2015 Penumbra supported more than 650 people in Aberdeen aged from teenagers to 70 plus, through a wide range of services offering hope and practical steps towards recovery.

Its services include Penumbra Workshops on Wellbeing – or POWWOWS – which are educational, informative, relevant and fun group sessions.

They bring together people with an interest in a particular area of wellbeing to share knowledge and experience by discussing tips, ideas and practical steps that can be taken to improve health.

Themes include building confidence, achieving goals, overcoming stigma, hopefulness and food for thought. Penumbra’s vision is a society where every individual is accepted, supported and has the resources to fulfil their potential, without limits caused by mental ill health and participants say they feel more confident, healthier and in control through learning from others as a result of taking part in these sessions.

One of the highlights in the calendar of a rural Aberdeenshire community will benefit by £250 from Aberdeen’s charitable pot. It will help ensure that Rhynie Gala Day on Saturday, August 20 remains a free to enter event, as it has been for the past 35 years.

The gala attracts around 2,000 visitors including tourists and is run entirely by volunteers featuring stalls, attractions and catering, a pop-up restaurant and licensed dance.

Proceeds raised are shared out with local groups through Rhynie Charitable Trust Ltd which helps more than half a dozen groups in the village that are reliant on fundraising activities in order to continue. These groups include a Car Aid scheme which transports people to and from hospital as well as a bowling club and Brownies.

Aberdeen Asset Management previously announced its support for Alzheimer Scotland’s dementia café in Aberdeen, which received £2,500. People living with dementia, their families and carers maintain social connections and make friendships by meeting up over a cuppa at dementia cafés, which improve wellbeing and confidence as well as maintain links with communities.

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen’s Charitable Foundation says:

“We are happy to provide a helping hand for these groups that do sterling work in their communities. Penumbra strives to improve mental wellbeing and supports a wide range of age groups, from teenagers to pensioners, in Aberdeen. Rhynie Charitable Trust helps maintain a strong sense of community in its rural Aberdeenshire setting.

“Meanwhile Aberdeen’s support of a dementia café provides an informal setting for people with dementia, their family and carers to enjoy a cup of tea and a cake along with friendship and support over a cup of tea and a cake. All worthy causes indeed.”

Aberdeen Asset Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. It 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 visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

CLAN To Mark Father’s Day With Special Walk

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jun 172016

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

A leading north-east cancer support charity is to hold a special walk to mark Father’s Day. CLAN Cancer Support will host its annual Father’s Day event within Aberdeen’s Westburn Park on Sunday, June 19, from 9.30am to noon.

The event gives friends, families and individuals the opportunity to walk a 1km route through the park in memory of a loved one on a day that holds great significance for many.

The 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.

The Father’s Day event follows a similar walk held on Mother’s Day earlier this year after CLAN was 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.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“Our Father’s Day walk is one of our most touching events of the year which was really born out of a need to offer comfort and support on what can be a difficult day for fathers, mothers and children.

“The aim of the walk is to turn the day into something positive for those who perhaps look upon it with a sense of trepidation. It’s a chance to remember loved ones and to come together with others to celebrate the lives of family members.

“Participants can choose to walk as far as they would like and the can also choose to get sponsored – but the day itself is really more than fundraising; it’s about a sense of togetherness.”

Registration for the walk is £5 and should be completed prior to the event. Children may walk for free but must be accompanied for an adult. For more details and to register, please contact Darren Hill on 01224 647000 or email fundraising@clanhouse.org

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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New Event Planned For City Centre’s Roof Garden

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

May 272016

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

A unique new event is set to have Aberdeen’s freshest greenspace jumping for joy.

Big Bounce at Bon Accord takes place within the roof garden above the St Nicholas Centre on the weekend of June 25-26.

The enhanced area, which last year saw over £200,000 worth of improvements made to it, will see a total of nine inflatables installed throughout the course of the weekend, with the shopping centre appealing for both kids and big kids to join it on the day.

It’s one of a number of events planned that will utilise the garden’s space and bandstand throughout the summer months with a view to establishing the area as a go-to event location.

Big Bounce at Bon Accord will fall under the UK-wide One Great Day initiative and will this year raise funds for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity and Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support.

Attendees will be able to purchase tokens on the day for use of the inflatables, with all profits raised being split between both causes. A range of music and entertainment will also add to the party atmosphere over the two days.

Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“We’ve been busy devising a programme of events for within the roof garden in the summer months approaching and Big Bounce at Bon Accord is a main focus of this line-up.

“We’ve been looking to create a unique and different event that has the potential to become an annual occurrence and we think that our Big Bounce weekend fits the bill. We’re going to have nine inflatables installed over the two days – from bouncy castles to bungee runs – and we believe that this is the first time in the city that this amount has been in the same place at the same time; we’re really looking forward to welcoming people over the weekend!

“There is a fundraising element to the weekend, with both CLAN and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity being supported, but we really just want people, both young and old, to come along and join us for a day of family fun.”

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“CLAN is thrilled to again be involved with a Bon Accord & St Nicholas fundraising day. The support CLAN has had from the centre, its staff and those who shop within it has been so valuable to the charity over the last years and we simply can’t thank them enough for their efforts.

“We certainly haven’t come across an event of this type in Aberdeen before and we’re looking forward to what will be a fun-filled, worthwhile day.”

Schools are also being encouraged to take part in the weekend, with sponsorship packages available for classes to get involved. Participating classes will be assigned an hour session where they can come down and join in the fun. A prize for the class who raises the most money will also be awarded.

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Langstane Press Name Their Charity Of The Year

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

May 162016

With thanks to Susan Wood.

Langstane Press Ltd, Scotland’s largest independent office products company have chosen Aberlour Children’s Charity as their charity of the year.
Langstane have regional offices located close to a number of Aberlour services and are keen to help the local communities in which Aberlour works.

To launch their partnership, Langstane began collecting books and Easter eggs.

The staff had a huge uptake and delivered many boxes of books to Aberlour Family Service in Old Aberdeen.

The local service supports children and their families where parents may have learning difficulties or be socially isolated as well as supporting families affected by parental drug and alcohol use. Enough books and eggs were collected to be spread across services in Aberdeen, Dundee and Moray.

Colin Campbell Managing Director at Langstane Press said:

“We are proud to be supporting Aberlour this year and being able to help, not just the local services within the Aberdeen area, but also the services that support the communities close to our regional offices in Dundee and Livingston”

As well as donations like the books and eggs Langstane will be supporting Aberlour throughout the year, through in-house fundraising activities, taking part in events and volunteering.

Lydia Fyall, Regional Fundraiser said:

“I am looking forward to working with Langstane this year, the staff all really care about the work that we do. A number of brave employees have put themselves forward for individual events already and staff across all sites have lots of great fundraising ideas.”

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John Hartson Visits CLAN Cancer Support In Aberdeen

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

May 132016

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

A leading north-east cancer support charity opened its doors to welcome a famous former footballer who himself has experienced his own cancer journey.
Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support welcomed ex-Celtic, Arsenal and West Ham striker John Hartson to its CLAN House base on the city’s Westburn Road.

John took time out of his busy schedule to see first-hand the services and facilities the charity provides, speaking with CLAN clients and meeting some of the CLAN staff and volunteers who are based at the facility.

Diagnosed with testicular cancer when he was 31, John formed his own charity, The John Hartson Foundation, in 2010, with the aim of increasing awareness of testicular cancer whilst helping raise money to support others affected by the illness.

The charity’s ‘Grab Life by the Balls’ campaign has continued to go from strength-to-strength, with males throughout the UK being shown a video featuring John sharing his own experience of testicular cancer alongside receiving advice and guidance on how they can check for early signs of the illness.

John Hartson said:

“Through my own experiences and work with The John Hartson Foundation I know how vital it is that people experiencing cancer have access to professional advice and support within their own communities.

“During my visit to CLAN I was impressed by the range of services provided by the organisation, across such a wide geographical area, and was pleased to be able to spend some time chatting with individuals the charity helps.”

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

“We were delighted to welcome John to CLAN House to see for himself the services, advice and information that we provide to our clients here in the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

“John’s cancer journey is inspiring and the work his foundation carries out in promoting the importance of checking for early signs of the illness is vital. Support from individuals like John helps us to continue to raise awareness of our services, especially to men, and for that we can’t thank John enough for his time with us.”

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

For further information about The John Hartson Foundation please visit www.johnhartsonfoundation.co.uk

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North-east Superheroes Required For Fundraiser

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

May 052016

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

An Aberdeen-based charity is encouraging north-east residents to be superheroes for one day later this month in order to help support disabled and disadvantaged children.

Cash for Kids is once again staging its annual Superhero Day, this year on Friday, 13 May.

The fundraiser gives people the opportunity to swap their normal Friday attire for a superhero costume.

Superhero Day is now in its fifth year and all of the money raised will assist sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

More than 60 businesses, schools and nurseries have already signed up to take part this year and Cash for Kids is confident that this will be the biggest Superhero Day yet. Those taking part include Denholm MacNamee, Bon Accord & St Nicholas Shopping Centre, Aberdeen Snowsports Centre, Arnold Clark, David Lloyd, QA Business Travel and many hairdressing salons across the north-east.

Domino’s Pizza is also fundraising for Superhero Day by donating £1 to Cash for Kids for every pizza it sells on the day. While customers to Yo Sushi and Fuel Juice Bar in the Bon Accord Centre will receive a 15% discount if they text donate £5 for Cash for Kids on Superhero Day and show their virtual receipt when paying at either business.

Superhero Day is one of a number of initiatives that employees from Denholm MacNamee will be undertaking to raise money for Cash for Kids. Staff from the Inverurie-based firm will take part in the Dunecht Dash and Baker Hughes 10k, amongst other races, to fundraise for the children’s charity.

Cash for Kids provides grant funding to individuals, families and community groups to support children and improve their quality of life. All of the money raised from Superhero Day will be used to fulfil grant applications in the next funding round, which closes on Friday, 29 July.

Whether it is classic children’s TV superheroes such as Spiderman, Batman, Bananaman, Super Gran and Wonder Woman, or characters from the upcoming Captain America and X-men films, the public are being urged to don a superhero costume and unleash their special fundraising powers to support children living in the north-east.

To get Superhero Day into gear, Northsound Radio presenter Pete McIntosh will be donning his superhero tights to take on a 40-mile cycling challenge. Dubbed the Tour de Pants, Pete will aim to complete a circular route from Aberdeen, taking in Westhill, Dyce and Bridge of Don, within four hours on the Friday morning. Deeside Thistle Cycling Club will provide support along the route, while Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative has donated a bike for the challenge.

Michelle Ferguson, Cash for Kids charity manager, said:

“Superhero Day is great way of putting the fun into fundraising. When we visit some of those businesses taking part there is always a really positive atmosphere and strong team spirit – clearly donning a superhero cape is a great teambuilding tool.

“Each year, Superhero Day grows in popularity and we expect this year’s to be the biggest yet. All of the money raised will stay in the north-east, helping to improve the lives of thousands of children and young people living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Our quarterly grant funding scheme is unique and makes a huge, positive contribution to society.

“In addition to dressing up as a superhero, there are other ways to get involved in Superhero Day. People can stage a bake sale with kapow cupcakes, hold a superhero themed quiz or take on a challenge like Pete and get sponsored by friends and family. We’d encourage anyone who sees Pete pedalling through Westhill, Dyce and Bridge of Don on the Friday morning to cheer him on and donate some money to Cash for Kids.”

Companies or organisations that wish to get involved in Superhero Day can visit www.northsound1.com/superhero for more information. Anyone wishing to make a cash donation to Cash for Kids can do so via its website, or text NORTH to 70808 to donate £5 to the 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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Teuchters v Toonsers: Mannies’ Fitba For Charity

Aberdeenshire, Sport No Responses »

Apr 292016

With thanks to David Innes.

Fans of Highland League are invited this weekend to enjoy a unique fitba experience and help raise funds for Maggie’s cancer care centres.
The team line ups have already been announced by each side of that notorious rivalry – Teuchters v Toonsers.

Taking place at 2pm on Sunday May 1st at North Lodge Park, Pitmedden, Highland League legends of yesteryear will pull on the boots in aid of Maggie’s where the football brains and banter will definitely be quicker than the legs.

Toonser team member Jerry O’Driscoll commented:

“If anyone is missing their football fix already, this Sunday May 1st, there will be a Highland League Veterans game in aid of Maggies cancer centre in Aberdeen.

“It will be the ‘toonsers’ versus the ‘teuchters’ over 35s game ( rules are not particularly strict here ) and will kick off at 1400 at North Lodge with admission being a donation of your choice.

“There will be bouncy castles and face paints for the kids as well as beat the keeper and ‘top bin’ for kids of all ages!

“Hoping the weather is good and am sure it will be a day of good banter with some average football thrown in!”

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Shire Council Withdraws Charities’ Rates Relief

Aberdeenshire, Opinion No Responses »

Apr 292016

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Keith Marley (right) finds a home for ‘Jock’ the marmoset.

By Keith Marley.

Well done Aberdeenshire Council! Today, what little assistance you give to local charities was withdrawn. Today you implemented the changes governing charity shops which gave them a ‘discretionary’ 20% relief on their rates. Dated 20/04/16, the letter we received today informed us that as from 01/04/16 charity shops will no longer receive the discretionary 20% discretionary ‘top up’.

For the 30 charity shops in the Aberdeenshire Council area this means the council will raise an additional £32,650.00 in revenue from these good causes.

This was agreed by the Councils Policy and Resources committee last year at a meeting which also approved the previous year’s totals for expenditure and financing of £147,876,000 and £66,648,000. The same meeting which gave the nod to approve the purchase of winter salt supplies for the next 3 years totalling some £8,000,000.00.

But obviously charity shops and the charities they support have been scrutinised and obviously found to be not paying their fair share.

With 3 shops and a store The New Arc represents almost 10% of this additional revenue….or as we see it, ‘penalty’. The fact that the charity gets calls from various council departments seeking advice and practical help with wildlife and domestic pets doesn’t cost the council anything. The work placements we provide for school leavers doesn’t cost the council anything.

The assistance we give with council funded projects, back to work schemes, mental health schemes, young (and old) offenders, disadvantaged kids, college placements, school talks etc. doesn’t cost the council anything.

The fact that these 30 charity shops mainly occupy what would otherwise be long term empty buildings DOES provide money to the regional council. The fact that these shops pay the full rate for their insurance, water rates, rubbish bins, electricity just the same as any other business DOES provide income to the local economy.

The fact that some of these shops also employ staff, full time and part time DOES mean we are contributing to the local economy. The fact that these shops are in many cases a necessity for low income and unemployed families DOES make a difference.

Many of these shops run at a very low profit margin and along with the new minimum wage, provision of pension schemes and these additional costs their future may well be in doubt.

The closure of any of these charity shops means a knock on effect which will have repercussions on the charity itself meaning withdrawal of services, reduced capacity, and ultimately it is the council itself that will have to find the funds to provide the services which charities currently do for free.

False economy?

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