Poverty Archives - Page 2 of 7

Pass The Parcel Kicks Off Children’s Gift Appeal

Nov 192015

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

Mission Christmas launch - Michelle Ferguson, Cash for Kids, and Garreth Wood, The Wood Foundation

Michelle Ferguson, Cash for Kids charity manager, and Garreth Wood, trustee of The Wood Foundation launch the appeal.

North-east children’s charity Cash for Kids has launched its annual Mission Christmas gift appeal, which this year is being supported by The Wood Foundation, Sir Ian Wood’s philanthropic charity.

Mission Christmas, the festive campaign of Aberdeen-based charity Cash for Kids, aims to ensure that all children in the north-east will wake up with presents to open on Christmas morning.

An estimated one in six children in Aberdeen City live in poverty, and many of their parents will struggle to afford to purchase presents for them this Christmas.

The appeal was officially launched this year by local philanthropist and trustee of The Wood Foundation, Garreth Wood, who sent a giant parcel off on the first leg of an enormous pass the parcel campaign, encouraging north-east residents to buy an extra gift or make a cash donation to the appeal this Christmas.

Last year, through the generosity of the north-east public, Cash for Kids distributed more than 14,000 gifts to 4,738 underprivileged children, ensuring they got to unwrap special parcels on Christmas morning. The total value of items donated was in excess of £210,000, with many businesses choosing to support the appeal.

Cash for Kids expects to receive a similar number of applications for presents this year. It will once again aim to ensure that every child brought to its attention – from new-borns to 18-year-olds – will receive a gift.

In order to fulfil all applications, Cash for Kids is asking members of the public to purchase an extra toy or gift for the appeal when doing their own Christmas shopping. Vouchers for shopping centres are also encouraged, particularly for teenagers who enjoy the freedom to choose a much longed for treat for themselves. Cash donations are also welcome, which the charity will then use to purchase items to fill any gaps.

This year, around 80 donation points – more than ever before – have been set up across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire where people can drop off a new, unwrapped gift until Friday, 18 December. The gifts will then be distributed to those in need in time for Christmas.

The demand for items, and the subsequent overwhelming response from the public, has led to Mission Christmas outgrowing its existing headquarters. A new larger distribution facility is this year being provided by Dunlop Oil and Maine. Local haulage firm Colin Lawson Transport will be providing the logistical support for a fifth year. This year, the firm is providing a dedicated vehicle and driver to collect the gifts from the donation points.

Michelle Ferguson, Cash for Kids charity manager, said:

“The response every year from north-east residents to the Mission Christmas appeal is incredible. Without their support and that of our volunteers it wouldn’t be possible to achieve what we do. We anticipate demand for gifts to again be high this year as a result of the local economic climate, so will be doing all we can to ensure that demand is met.

“Last year we received donations through some very creative means, including one from a 12-year-old girl who had saved up 50 prizes she had won throughout the year at Codona’s and donated them to the appeal. Some people also redeem their store card points or use three for two offers to purchase items at little or no cost.

“For those looking to raise money to support the appeal, we are running a Christmas jumper day on Friday, 11 December. It’s a fun festive way to get involved in Mission Christmas.”

Sir Ian Wood, chairman of The Wood Foundation, said:

“To know that there are children, right now, living in the North-East of Scotland who may not experience the excitement of receiving a special gift on Christmas morning is incredibly sad. In Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, poverty is often not as apparent as in other parts of Scotland, with the result it often goes unrecognised and unaddressed.

By supporting the work Cash for Kids do with the Mission Christmas appeal, The Wood Foundation hopes that every child across the North-East will feel the magic of Christmas this year.”

More information on the appeal, including a full list of donation points and information on the Christmas jumper day, can be found at www.northsound1.com/missionchristmas.

Cash for Kids

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/charity, or telephone 01224 337010.

The Wood Foundation

The Wood Foundation is a proactive venture philanthropy funder, focusing on creating economic activity to help people help themselves, providing business development and capacity support, in addition to funding. The team is located in East Africa and in Scotland.

The Wood Foundation, Scottish Registered Charity No. SCO37957, was established in March 2007 by Sir Ian Wood and his immediate family. The Wood Foundation invests into three portfolios of activity: Making Markets Work for the Poor – Sub Sahara Africa, Facilitating Economic & Education Development in Scotland, and Developing Young People in Scotland.

The Executive Chairman of The Wood Foundation is Sir Ian Wood and The Trustees are: Sir Ian Wood, Lady Helen Wood, Garreth Wood and Graham Good. For further information please visit: www.thewoodfoundation.org.uk.

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Charitable Foundation Supports ChildHope

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Nov 162015

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR.

Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation has selected ChildHope as its fourth emerging markets charity partner.

The Foundation has made a three year commitment, with an initial six-figure donation, to ChildHope.

ChildHope was established in 1989 and grew out of the recognition of the huge and growing but neglected problem of children living and working on the streets of Africa, Asia and South America.

Over the last twenty years, the charity has been working to develop long lasting solutions aimed at tackling the root causes of the poverty and the injustice faced by children around the world.

Aberdeen’s support will focus on the regions immediately surrounding Lima, Peru where despite rapid economic development within the city, around a third of children live on less than $2 a day.

Many of these children are subject to violence in schools, where despite national policy, they are often chastised by teachers using sticks, belts or ropes. The project aims to create safer school environments in eight schools. It will identify those children within the schools that are most at risk of educational underachievement and support them with additional supportive educational sessions.

In total, the project is estimated to benefit 7,300 children who will pass through these schools over the term of Aberdeen’s partnership, as well as having associated impact on 400 teachers and 4,500 parents.

Anne Richards, Chief Investment Officer of Aberdeen Asset Management and Chairman of the Foundation, comments:

“Aberdeen has a significant presence in Latin America and so I am delighted that employees globally have chosen to support ChildHope. Education plays a crucial role in the development of society so the charity will have an impact not only on the children but the country as a whole.”

ChildHope UK’s Executive Director Jill Healey said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected as Aberdeen Asset Management’s next emerging markets charity partner. By working together we can fundamentality transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in Peru and give them a chance for a better future.’’

ChildHope becomes the fourth emerging markets charity partner to be supported by the Foundation, alongside ABC Trust, SeeBeyondBorders and AfriKids.

The Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop Aberdeen’s charitable giving strategy. It has two main themes:

Emerging Markets – Aberdeen has committed to develop a number of strategic partnerships with charities tackling the educational needs of disadvantaged young people in emerging markets. Each year, an emerging market is selected by the Foundation’s Board and employees have the opportunity to vote for a project in that country which will receive support for a three year period.

Local Communities – To complement this international focus, each Aberdeen office around the world has established its own charity committee, whose remit is to manage local giving activities and to promote volunteering.

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SNP Demand Clarity On Top Ups To Welfare Cuts

Aberdeenshire, Opinion No Responses »

Nov 122015

With thanks to Kenneth Hutchison, Parliamentary Assistant to Dr. Eilidh Whiteford MP

Following the debate on the Scotland Bill at Westminster, the SNP are calling for clarification over the Secretary of State David Mundell’s failure to guarantee that there would be no claw back of payments made by the Scottish Government to mitigate welfare cuts.

Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP, SNP Social Justice and Welfare spokesperson commented:

“Following tonight’s debate we need absolute clarity from the UK Government that if the Scottish Government tops up a benefit it will not be clawed back by Westminster – David Mundell failed to answer that.

“For that and many other reasons tonight will be a huge disappointment to all those people watching and hoping for the Vow to be delivered.

“Whilst I welcome the changes the Government is belatedly bringing forward, all the flowery rhetoric in the world won’t hide the fact that this Scotland Bill still falls some way short of the Smith Commission proposals. More than that, still falls a long way short of the promises made to the people of Scotland.

“The SNP amendments in this Group would have significantly strengthen the Bill, and brought it closer to the expectations and aspirations of the people who voted in unprecedented numbers for real powers and meaningful change. As things stand, it will be those on low and average incomes, especially families with children, who will pay the price of these missed opportunities.’’

Commenting on this evening’s debate – SNP Leader at Westminster – Angus Robertson MP said:

“The sole purpose of the Scotland Bill has been to implement the Smith Commission in full. We welcome the government’s late admission that it had failed to do that but this bill still falls far short.

“We have seen with this debate a Westminster failure to support the devolution of powers over tax credits – industrial relations and workers’ rights powers and on the sovereignty of the people of Scotland.

“People should look and learn because if this is the way to bring forward legislation – we don’t need it. The Scottish parliament is a 21st century parliament and if ever there was a case put for the Scottish parliament being able to exercise all issues that matter to the people of Scotland – this was it.”

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Charity Funds Holiday Respite For Vulnerable Children

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Nov 062015

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR

Disadvantaged children living in Aberdeen and Edinburgh have enjoyed well-deserved breaks – some going on the first holiday of their lives – through funding from the Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation.

Scottish children’s charity HopScotch secured £9,000 from the firm’s Charitable Foundation to enable 36 children to enjoy a total of 180 days of respite at its holiday centre in Ardvullin in the Scottish Highlands.

A dozen children each from three organisations – Edinburgh Women’s Aid, Aberdeen’s Middlefield Community Project and Waverley Care in Edinburgh – were selected for the much-needed breaks allowing them to spend time in safe and secure surroundings while escaping the stresses of home life and gaining and building confidence, in a caring and supportive environment.

Waverley Care works with children who are living with, and affected by, HIV/Hepatitis C in Edinburgh. Many of the families struggle to take youngsters on holiday due to poor health and financial constraints. Children live in stressful situations and often act as carers to their parents/younger siblings and rarely get the chance to socialise or form friendships.

Middlefield Community Project is based in an area of multiple deprivation in Aberdeen, in the top five of Scotland’s most deprived areas. Families suffer as a result of parental drug or alcohol misuse, severe poverty, domestic violence, parental health issues and neighbourhood disputes. Many young children are left to fend for themselves, often playing in the streets at night.

Edinburgh Women’s Aid provides practical and emotional support to those who have been, or are, experiencing domestic abuse and many of the children will have witnessed abuse or even been abused themselves. Recovery is a lengthy process for some and an opportunity for a respite break is very beneficial in very many ways.

At Ardvullin the children try a range of activities like horse riding, canoeing and indoor climbing, boat trips, biking and visiting the beach.

One youngster who went to Ardvullin said:

“I loved my Hopscotch holiday and didn’t want to leave.

I did lots of exciting things like hill climbing, walking in the forest, canoeing and lots more. I loved the big, massive swing park out the back garden. My favourite part was when I made it to the top of the hill and the snow was really, really deep.”

The Edinburgh-based charity’s 2015 programme has provided around 350 children with a respite break at Ardvullin and this year HopScotch has worked with organisations from the Highlands, Ayrshire, Strathclyde, Perthshire, Tayside, Lanarkshire, Midlothian and Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire to identify those children most in need.

HopScotch manager Roberta Mckay said that the support given by the Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation had allowed children – many of whom have never been to the countryside or the seaside before – a chance to have a break away from their problems in a safe and secure environment. For children who are young carers, it may be the first chance of respite from their caring responsibilities.

Roberta commented:

“Good childhood memories last a lifetime. We are so grateful for the support of Aberdeen Asset Management during 2015 which helps our work to continue in providing free respite break for Scotland’s most vulnerable children.”

Karin Hyland of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation said:

“HopScotch holidays provide something which every child should be entitled to – the chance to enjoy a carefree break in a safe and caring environment where they can make new friends, have fun and experience the beauty of the countryside.”

The Aberdeen Asset 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.

For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

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Aberdeen Fun Games Return To Beach Ballroom

Articles No Responses »

Nov 062015

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

Aberdeen hoteliers are showing their team spirit by banding together in order to provide a day of inclusive sporting activities for disadvantaged adults in the city.

The annual Aberdeen Fun Games return to the city’s Beach Ballroom, allowing around 120 young adults with physical and learning difficulties to take part in a series of sporting challenges, on Sunday November 8.

Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association (ACSHA) has run the event for over 20 years, in conjunction with Aberdeen City Council, and expects this year to be a resounding success.

As well as sponsoring the event, ACSHA also makes a donation to the Sport Aberdeen disability fund to support the provision of sporting activities across the city.

Jim Byers, honorary treasurer of ACSHA, has been a driving force behind the Aberdeen Fun Games since its inception. He says:

“These kinds of inclusive events are often run for children, however there are far fewer for adults in the north east. ACSHA founded the Aberdeen Fun Games alongside Aberdeen City Council over 20 years ago in order to provide an enjoyable experience for young adults with learning or physical difficulties.”

Throughout the day, teams of up to eight will compete in a series of challenges which cover a wide range of sporting disciplines – from adapted versions of basketball and field athletics to indoor curling and bowls. The Games are presided over by Bill Farquhar, another Aberdeen Fun Games stalwart, and the team that earns the most points across each sporting discipline will be presented with a trophy at the end of the competition.

All competitors will also be awarded a medal for their efforts, and the day’s activities will culminate with a buffet and disco.

Jim continues:

“When we first started the Aberdeen Fun Games, we held an outdoor ‘It’s A Knockout-style’ competition in Duthie Park, after which the city’s hotels would host the competitors for a meal. However, with the north east’s variable weather forecast, we made the decision to move indoors to the Beach Ballroom and we have never looked back.”

Staff from hotels across the north east volunteer their time on the day to assist the teams, judge each sporting challenge, and keep score. Jim says:

“The original aim of the Games was to create a fun event for less fortunate individuals than ourselves, and we believe that we have achieved that over the last two decades.

“It’s very easy for someone to donate money to a cause, but for the hotels and their staff to donate their time is something that is arguably much more valuable. Everyone involved in running the event comes away feeling very humbled by the whole experience.”

Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association represents 49 independently operated hotels and conference venues, along with a further nine associate members. These hotels provide around 4,500 bedrooms in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. ACSHA is committed to improving the quality and standard of hotel services and to furthering the overall standards of excellence and hospitality within the region.

For more information about Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association, visit www.aberdeenhotels.org

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UK Must Devolve Universal Credit Says Whiteford

Aberdeenshire, Opinion No Responses »

Oct 082015

With thanks to Kenny Hutchison, Parliamentary Assistant to Dr. Eilidh Whiteford MP.

SNP MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford has written to Scottish Secretary David Mundell seeking confirmation that the UK Government will amend the Scotland Bill to devolve complete control over Universal Credit – after he promised the power to top up tax credits would be given to the Scottish Parliament through the Scotland Bill.

Mr Mundell said on Good Morning Scotland yesterday that the Scottish Parliament would have the ability to “adjust tax credits” or “top-up tax credits”.

As working tax credits and child tax credits are now part of Universal Credit, which is already being rolled out across the country, the only way the Scottish Parliament would be able to do this fairly and simply, and without having to ask the permission of the DWP, would be through complete control of Universal Credit.

Commenting, Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP, the SNP’s Social Justice spokesperson said:

“The Scotland Bill in its current form limits the ability of the Scottish Government to use the additional powers it proposes and retains vetoes for UK Government ministers. Scotland needs more powers over social security to tackle poverty, inequality and help those who need support the most.

“350,000 children in Scotland will be badly hit by the tax credit changes coming into force, and we want the power in Scotland to pull children and families out of poverty.

“This can only be done if we have full control over Universal Credit.

“Mr Mundell voted against the removal of the Secretary of State veto on changes to the Universal Credit, voted against powers to create new benefits, and voted against the devolution of Housing Benefit which is an element of Universal Credit – but now he says that Scotland should have the power to adjust tax credits.

“Overwhelmingly, civic Scotland has said that social security powers should be in the hands of Scotland to allow us to protect children and low income families. The Secretary of State now needs to put up or shut up and show us the amendments they are planning.”

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Aberdeenshire RFC Helps Tackle Poverty In Aberdeen

Aberdeenshire, Charity, Sport No Responses »

Aug 262015

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

Susan Cheyne, business development manager at Instant Neighbour.

Players and members of Aberdeenshire RFC have come together to raise donations for local charity Instant Neighbour.
The Woodside club has been collecting items throughout the last month and has managed to raise a grand total of 202kg of bric-a-brac and 17kg of food which will go towards supporting those in need in and around Aberdeen.

Aberdeenshire RFC club president Alasdair Farquharson said:

“I’d like to thank all those players, both past and present, and members of the club who have come together to generously support our efforts in helping Instant Neighbour.

“To raise such a fantastic total really is testament to the efforts shown throughout the last month and it is great to be able to help a charity that is located in the community that we play out of. It really is our way of giving something back to the local area.”

Susan Cheyne, business development manager of Instant Neighbour, said:

“This is excellent and will certainly help us in our quest to support those hit by poverty.”

Among other charitable endeavours, a group of players, friends and family of the club volunteered in last weekend’s Celebrate Aberdeen parade, lending a helping hand to the North East Disabled War Veterans.

The parade itself saw thousands of people take to the streets of Aberdeen to celebrate the tireless work of the city’s third sector organisations in a display of colour and fun.

Now, the club will turn its attention to this Saturday’s opening league game as the 1st XV face a repeat of last season’s opening fixture when they travel to Fife to take on Kirkcaldy RFC.
Aberdeenshire RFC are a BT National League Division 2 side situated in the north of Aberdeen.

In addition to the club’s three senior teams, Aberdeenshire has a burgeoning ladies and junior team.

Further information can be found at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/aberdeenshire/

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Aberdeenshire RFC Teams Up With Instant Neighbour

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Aug 032015

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

Aberdeenshire Rugby Club is teaming up with local charity Instant Neighbour to help lend a hand to the city’s poorest and most vulnerable.
The Woodside club will work with the charity to raise donations of canned and long-life foods, electrical equipment and baby supplies for the most in-need individuals and families across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

The club will be appealing to all past and present players as well as social members to bring donations to the clubhouse between 6.30pm and 8pm on a Tuesday and Thursday night before the first pre-season friendly on Saturday, August 15.

The first XV will be taking on Perthshire while the Super Twas second XV will be facing up against RAF Lossiemouth. Representatives from Instant Neighbour will be present on the day to collect the donations raised.

Aberdeenshire RFC club president Alasdair Farquharson said:

“The club is based out of Woodside Sports Complex and as such is keen to help charities in the local area and support people in the community.

“We are therefore delighted to be organising a collection day at the club where former and current players can bring donations in kind or financial which we can then pass on to Instant Neighbour.

“We’re thrilled to be working with them and hope to help them in any small way we can.”

Susan Cheyne, business development manager at Instant Neighbour, said:

“Instant Neighbour relies on the kind donations of members of the public to allow us to continue to help those in need living in and around Aberdeen. Without donations, we would be unable to provide our local community with affordable furniture, electrical equipment, and childcare equipment, and we could not operate our food bank.

“By donating these items to us, you are directly helping to support some of the poorest and most vulnerable people living in Aberdeen. Thank you for your generosity.”

Aberdeenshire RFC are a BT National League Division 2 side situated in the north of Aberdeen. In addition to the club’s three senior teams, Aberdeenshire has a burgeoning ladies and junior team.

Further information can be found at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/aberdeenshire/

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Peace And Justice Conference: Saturday 5th Sept 2015

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jul 302015

With thanks to Stephen Hadden.

Scottish Bed Making Championship Launches In Aberdeen

Aberdeen City, Charity, Featured No Responses »

Jul 162015

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

Michele Binnie and Courage the Cat launch the Scottish Bed Making Championship

Cash for Kids’ Michele Binnie and charity mascot Courage the Cat launch the Scottish Bed Making Championship at Village Urban Resort

Hospital corners will be the order of the day when a new competition is held in Aberdeen next month. The city is to play host to the inaugural Scottish Bed Making Championship on Thursday, 06 August.

The brainchild of local children’s charity Cash for Kids, the event forms part of its fundraising efforts for this year’s Bed Appeal.

The appeal, which officially launched earlier this month, aims to provide underprivileged children in north-east Scotland with a bed of their own and local disabled youngsters with specialist beds.

The charity hopes this year’s Bed Appeal will raise around £25,000 to purchase beds for more than 100 local underprivileged and disabled children.

The Scottish Bed Making Championship will be staged at Kingswells’ Village Urban Resort and is expected to attract entries from hotels, guest houses, care providers and hospitals in north-east Scotland.

Teams of four will be challenged to make a double bed – fitting sheets, pillow slips and duvet covers – as quickly as possible, before then making a bed which will be judged on its presentation. Points will be awarded for each task, with the two highest scoring teams then taking part in a bed race to be crowned Scottish Bed Making Champions. The winners will also win a corporate bowling night courtesy of Codona’s.

Cash for Kids charity manager Michele Binnie said:

“We are very excited to be launching the Scottish Bed Making Championship, which will be an important part of the 2015 Bed Appeal. The appeal highlights the issues of poverty and disability that families here in the north-east are facing.

“The championship is open to any team that wants to show off its bed making prowess, whether they’re from the hospitality and care industries or another sector entirely. Cash for Kids is grateful to Village Urban Resort Aberdeen for getting behind the event and we look forward to a great evening on Thursday, 06 August.”

Tracy Harrison, general manager of Village Urban Resort Aberdeen, said:

“The Scottish Bed Making Championship is a fantastic initiative to raise funds for this important appeal. It gives housekeeping teams in hotels and guest houses, and nursing and care staff a chance to shine at something they have to do proficiently and speedily each day.

“The championship is not just about making a bed quickly, but also presenting it well. The judges will be looking for crisp hospital corners and well plumped pillows. It will no doubt be a fun and competitive event, and one that we hope our hospitality colleagues across the north-east, and further afield, will get behind.”

Entry to the Scottish Bed Making Championship costs £100 for a team of four people, all of which goes directly to the Bed Appeal. Anyone interested in entering a team should contact Michele Binnie on 01224 337010 or michele.binnie@northsound.co.uk, or register online at www.northsound1.com/bed.

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