Service Archives - Page 8 of 20

Final Call For CLAN Annual Lunch Event

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Apr 142016

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

A leading north-east charity has issued a final call for businesses and individuals to get involved with one of its most-popular events of the year.

CLAN Cancer Support’s annual fundraising lunch is set to take place at Ardoe House Hotel and Spa on Wednesday, April 20.

Individual tickets to attend the event, which has established itself as one of the charity’s most important of the year, are still up for grabs alongside the few last remaining table packages.

Alongside a two-course lunch, auction, raffle and a host of stalls for shopping, guests will also hear the inspirational story of Theresa Rollo, a CLAN client who herself was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006.

Theresa will share some of her thoughts on her journey from throughout the last 10 years as well as how she has tried to give something back to the charity that helped her, completing a range of events in support of CLAN including the charity’s own Landmark Walk and the London Marathon.

All money raised from the lunch, which is again supported this year by BP, goes towards CLAN’s provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“The CLAN lunch is a hugely important fundraising tool for us and always such a great event. Year-on-year we are delighted with the level of support shown towards it and we hope we can rely on that once more.

“This is a great opportunity for local businesses and individuals to make a tremendous difference to us by getting involved with the event. We are very flexible with options for support with both individual and table tickets available. All tickets sold ultimately help us raise money that will allow CLAN to continue the crucial work it carries out throughout the north-east.”

Those interested in purchasing a ticket for the event can contact CLAN’s fundraising team 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.

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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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

Charity Boss Shortlisted For Male Role Model Of The Year

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

Mar 112016

With thanks to Future Choices.

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

Charity Boss David said:

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

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

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

The charity boss added:

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

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

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

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Give The Gift Of Wild Woman For Mother’s Day

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Mar 032016

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

With thanks to Chris Muir.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Aker Solutions Staff Drum Up Funds For CLAN

Aberdeen City, Charity, Featured No Responses »

Feb 292016

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

Staff at Aker Solutions visits CLAN House in Aberdeen.

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

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

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

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

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

Aimee Ross, community ambassador at Aker Solutions, said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Glittering Night Of Music Raises Funds For CLAN

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Feb 292016

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

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

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

Following the success of the event Carol said:

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

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

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

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

Carol added:

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

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

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

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

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

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

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Walk With CLAN Cancer Support This Mother’s Day

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Feb 252016

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

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

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

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

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

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

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

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

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

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

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

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

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City Woman Aims To Strike A Chord For CLAN

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jan 282016

Carol Norrie and CLAN chief executive Dr Colette Backwell at CLAN House in Aberdeen.

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

An Aberdeen woman is to hold a charitable dinner dance next week
after her musical father’s cancer diagnosis moved her to organise an event.

Carol Norrie will hold The Allan CLAN Red Carpet Charity Ball, in aid of CLAN Cancer Support, at the Chester Hotel, Aberdeen on Friday, Feb 5.

The night, which will include a three-course dinner and live performances from local artists Oliver Richards, Colin Newbury and Cameron Jay, has been devised by Carol after her father Dave Allan was diagnosed with lung cancer in June.

Dave’s diagnosis was then followed by a bout of pneumonia before further tests showed he required a double heart bypass before he could properly start his cancer treatment.

With her Dad’s cancer treatment now underway, Carol felt that she needed to focus on something that was positive and was looking for a distraction. She struck upon the idea of organising a charitable event and on recommendation from her friends, she visited CLAN Cancer Support at its CLAN House base in Aberdeen to see first-hand the work they do with individuals and families affected by cancer.

After being so impressed by the facility and the services the charity provides, it was an obvious choice for her to link-up with for her special evening.

Carol said:

“Dad has had a bit of a tough time of it recently, overcoming both pneumonia and a heart bypass in the days and weeks after being diagnosed with cancer in June last year. It’s been difficult for him and our family but his strength has been amazing. He’s managed to remain so positive throughout it all.

“With this in mind, I was looking for a bit of a distraction to take my mind off things. Some friends told me about CLAN and on learning more about the charity, I was immediately taken in by its spread of services and comfort and care it provides to people affected by cancer. It just seemed right to hold an event on its behalf.

“The night itself will have a strong musical element which was a key consideration given my Dad’s love for music throughout his life so far. He has played in various bands from the age of 12 up until a few years ago and we’re still hopeful that he might be able to play a song on the night; we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Ticket sales for the dinner dance have been strong, with all funds raised set to go towards CLAN’s provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer throughout the north-east of Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. Monetary donations are still being sought to help cover lighting and sound costs.

Carol added:

“The support we’ve had from friends, family, members of the public, my work and local businesses such as The Chester Hotel itself and SIGNAL2NOISE has been fantastic so far and it really has helped create a feeling of positivity around something which is undoubtedly a tough time for us all. Not everyone is lucky enough to have the support network that my Dad has had so the work of charities like CLAN can bring an added importance to many.

“We’re delighted to be supporting the charity with the event and we can’t wait to invite attendees to a night of musical fun.”

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

“Carol’s enthusiasm and passion for helping CLAN is there for all to see and we’re so delighted to have been selected as the beneficiary for what is sure to be a fantastic night of entertainment.

“CLAN is there to help all those affected by cancer; whether it is the person directly affected, a family member, a friend or even a carer. Carol, her Dad and their family have an obvious close bond and for them to turn what is sure to be a difficult time into something so positive is testament to their character and approach to life.”

Those interested in getting involved with the evening or those who would like to donate funds to the night are asked to contact Carol Norrie on carol.norrie572@btinternet.com

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

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ACSHA On Track To Hit Fundraising Target

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire No Responses »

Jan 282016

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

A group of Aberdeen hoteliers has been working tirelessly to raise funds for a leading dementia charity, and is set to reach a five figure fundraising goal. Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association (ACSHA) has raised over £13,000 for Alzheimer Scotland so far, and is confident that it will increase this to £20,000 by its AGM in April.

As part of its fundraising effort, ACSHA recently auctioned a bottle of Pol Roger Vintage Cap 1943 champagne for an impressive £800.

The prize, which also included a meal at Ardoe House Hotel & Spa and a bottle of White Label Pol Roger, was won by Calum Richardson, who runs The Bay Fish & Chips, Stonehaven. After placing the winning bid, Mr Richardson offered an additional lot comprising of outside catering which raised an additional £1,000.

Mariner Hotel owner Mike Edwards, who donated the champagne, is spearheading ACSHA’s fundraising effort, and believes the organisation is well on its way to reaching its target. He says,

“It’s incredibly heart-warming to see so many hoteliers working together to raise funds for a cause as worthwhile as dementia care and research.

“We are delighted to have raised so much money from auctioning the champagne, and hope to continue in a similar vein as we push closer to our £20,000 target over the next few months.

“I hope that Calum enjoys the champagne, and that he celebrated his winning bid in suitable style – with fizz and chips!”

ACSHA will continue its fundraising efforts over the coming months, starting with a 24 hour endurance relay on static bikes which will take place in a number of hotels across the region. The organisation has also partnered with the Deeside Brewery to create a specially labelled lager which will be sold in local hotels with all profits going to Alzheimer Scotland.

Alzheimer Scotland is ACSHA’s nominated charity for 2015/16, and it is hoped that the money raised will go some way to funding its operations in the north east, including a newly opened resource centre in Aberdeen city centre. In addition to monetary donations, a number of ACSHA members have joined the Dementia Friends initiative, which seeks to make all venues more welcoming and hospitable for those with dementia and their carers.

Mr Edwards’ father, David, was once a familiar face in the hospitality trade in Aberdeen, and was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2008 at the age of just 59. There are currently around 90,000 people across Scotland diagnosed with dementia, including around 3,500 under the age of 65. In Aberdeen alone there are almost 300 people living with dementia under the age of 65.

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.

To make a donation to ACSHA’s fundraising pot for Alzheimer Scotland, visit www.justgiving.com/ACSHA

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

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Mental Health Charity Forges Unique Relationship

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

Jan 282016

Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA) has forged a link with an innovative charity which offers a therapeutic animal service. With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

The leading north-east charity recently visited The Owl and The Pussycat Centre in Maud, which gives people the chance to have a positive experience with birds of prey, including the owl stars of Harry Potter, Eral and
Hedwig.

Service users in MHA’s Companions Befriending Service and their companions had a magical time on the visit, which was used as an opportunity to get out and about in the community, have fun and build relationships with peers.

Flora Todd, manager of MHA Companions Befriending, is currently looking for volunteers to take on a befriending role within the charity.

She said:

“Our service users and their companions thoroughly enjoyed themselves at The Owl and The Pussycat Centre, and we would like to thank everyone there for making us so welcome. We would love to repeat visits like this as they are so beneficial in helping our service users combat feelings of isolation and embrace day to day life. Interaction with animals and birds is a great tool for improving a person’s wellbeing.

“Companionship can make an incredible difference to a person’s wellbeing and it was fantastic to see our befrienders and service users interacting with the owls and having such a good time. We are currently on the look-out for volunteers to join our pool of befrienders in Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Banff, Turriff and surrounding rural areas. It is a fantastically rewarding role to take on and while it has its challenges, the transformation it can bring about to someone’s life is incredible.

“Volunteers befrienders can help in so many different ways, from going out for coffee, helping build their self-confidence and learning new skills to attending local activities such as exercise classes and arts or cultural groups. They are also very much a listening ear. We would urge anyone interested to get in touch with us and find out more about becoming a befriender.”

A committed network of befriending volunteers has served the north-east through MHA for a number of years but the charity is working to expand the service.

Full training is provided to all volunteers, who must be aged 18 and over, and the charity has an experienced team leading the programme. All out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and the next induction training course will begin in February.

MHA was founded in 1950 and provides support services, counselling and advice to people affected by challenges related to mental health and wellbeing. Services are available for children from the age of 12 and adults. The organisation was among the first to provide community care – with its first residential project, a group home for discharged psychiatric patients, opened more than 35 years ago. MHA has also been providing day services continuously for over 60 years.

For more information on the befriending scheme and volunteering opportunities contact Flora Todd on 01779 470122 or visit www.mha.uk.net.

For more information on The Owl and Pussycat Centre visit www.owlandpussycatcentre.co.uk

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