Social Archives - Page 11 of 15

Grand Theft Auto: Aberdeen Version

Jan 112013

Motor vehicle theft in Aberdeen has gone through the roof with a value over £1 million last year. Could this surge in crime have anything to do with a local Facebook page which glamourises car and motorbike theft? A document circulating in Aberdeen detailing the online and on-street behaviour of the ‘AberdeenBoyz Stig ftp’ group has been sent to Aberdeen Voice. Phoebe Copeland writes.

This week Grampian police cautioned theft victim Lesley Ross. She made a series of Facebook postings after her car was stolen which featured swear words and the wish that whoever stole her Audi would wind up wrapped around a telephone pole.

What, if any, law was violated by Ms Ross is unknown. The Daily Record reported her story yesterday, which led to widespread criticism of the Grampian police.

In the meantime, the same police force has not taken any known action against a Facebook page, AberdeenBoyz Stig ftp (‘ftp’ is a well-known abbreviation meaning f**k the police).

The site’s main purpose, or rather, its only purpose appears to be advocating vehicle theft, with an emphasis on Audis and other high-performance cars. Shocking images include:

photos of vehicles, motorbikes and bicycles – some burnt out
images explaining how to start a car without a key
videos purport to show people driving in stolen vehicles
images of hooded / masked people in cars or bikes believed to be stolen
images of vehicles thought to have been stolen with comments indicating a crime has been committed

The page has over 400 friends, clearly identified in this ‘open’ group, meaning anyone can freely see who is involved and view the images. These ‘friends ‘include people who claim to work for or are associated with the following companies:

NHS Grampian
Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital
Four Seasons Healthcare
Oakbank Residential Home
Rowan Court Nursing Home
Aberdeen City Council
Instant Neighbour
Kirkcaldy Pet Shop
Sub Atlantic
Scot Oil
Schlumberger
Proseve
TAQA

There appears to be a strong connection with Harlaw Academy, with the page owner apparently also connected to Harlaw. Other schools are also well represented.

It is hoped the police will be investigating urgently. At the time of writing the page is still online and it is a mystery why there has been no sign whatsoever of any arrests connected to the page. Last week, Grampian police found six stolen cars and charged 11 people with related offences.

In the last quarter of 2012 approximately 86 people were arrested, some in their teens. Yet there the Facebook page remains, equating grand theft with excitement and fun. This crime has victims, and can result in criminal charges for thrill-seekers, reduce any future employment prospects, and of course lead to serious injury and even death.

It is very worrying that some of these friends work with some of society’s most vulnerable people including the elderly, the infirm, and people with special abilities and children.

If these people willingly advocate theft, then this indicates an elevated risk to the people in their care.

If they condone theft, and care little about the victims of theft, then the level of compassion and care they provide to those they are responsible for also becomes questionable.

Another great concern is that people who support this page would have knowledge of their clients’, neighbours’ and co-workers’ movements, and therefore in a position to pass information about high-performance car owners’ holidays and whereabouts on to those prepared to steal vehicles.

While it is not certain by any means, nor implied that these ‘friends’ are involved in criminal activity, they are supporting a page which glamourises and offers instruction on theft of vehicles. Employers and school officials are already thought to be scouring the site.

How they will respond to the discovery that their firms or schools feature on this page along with photos of their employees or students remains to be seen.

At the time of writing, the page is still available for anyone with a Facebook account to view. How much longer this will remain to be the case is unknown. Anyone who had a car, bike, bicycle or other vehicle stolen may wish to look at the over 40 photos of stolen items.

In the meantime, you may wish to remove valuables and spare keys from your car and keep any spare vehicle keys hidden away as the thieves have been known to break into homes and take keys from key racks, etc.

Do not allow any suspicious behaviour to go unreported, and above all, do not put your own safety at risk by attempting to intervene should you witness what appears to be a theft in progress.

Despite the high level of this type of crime in the city, luckily, no one has yet been killed. Sadly has not been the case in Glasgow. Christopher Grenfell was found responsible for the death of James Simpson, a law-biding elderly pensioner, on 29 November 2011.

Simpson was trying to stop his car being stolen and the thief callously ran him over, killing him on his own property. What started out as yet another car theft and ended in an innocent man’s death and a thief turned murderer getting a life sentence.

It is hoped the Grampian Police will take immediate action to tackle organised vehicle crime which appears to have been allowed to thrive here.

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VSA To Benefit As Luxury Meats Go Under The Hammer

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

Dec 212012

With thanks to Claire McBain.

Aberdeen’s first festive luxury meat charity auction will benefit social care charity Voluntary Service Aberdeen (VSA) .
On Christmas Eve, Monday 24th December, Aberdeen butcher Andrew Gordon will host Aberdeen’s first ever luxury meat auction. It’s in aid of VSA, which is the UK’s largest city social care charity, supporting more than 2,500 people in Aberdeen each year.

The event, at Andrew Gordon Butchery and Fine Foods on Chattan Place will see all remaining festive stock in the counters up for grabs. VSA will benefit from 20 percent of each final auction price.

Andrew said:

“Anyone who wants to stock up their freezer, create a last minute Christmas banquet or make up a last minute gift should come down to see what’s on offer. We’ve got free range turkey, Aberdeen Angus beef roasts and lots of other surprises.

“My auction is all about festive cheer, Christmas, goodwill and giving back to a very worthy cause. I want to celebrate a fantastic year of food and drink innovation in Aberdeen by giving something back to the community. VSA is a hardworking charity that transforms lives of young and old people, as well as supporting people with learning difficulties, mental health issues or people who are carers.

“I always try and keep some Christmas stock in reserve and this gives us the chance to completely clear our shelves as we make room for more fresh meat deliveries in the New Year. Hopefully I can save a roast for myself and my family but also present a welcome donation to VSA.”

The Christmas luxury meat charity auction will take place on 24th December between 5 and 5.30 p.m. at Andrew Gordon Butchery and Fine Foods, 35-37 Chattan Place, Aberdeen, AB10 6RB.

More information about Andrew Gordon Butchery and Fine Foods

Andrew Gordon Butchery and Fine Foods is an Aberdeen-based butcher shop that specialises in the essence of excellence through sourcing the best quality products and bringing them to customers.

Andrew is also exploring areas of healthier eating with The Food and Health Innovation Service, Scottish Food and Drink Federation, Interface and others. Specialities include the areas of reduced salt and low fat, and lean produce.

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Oh Myyy! – George Takei’s New e-book Reviewed

Featured, Information, Opinion No Responses »

Dec 142012

A few lucky souls got an advance copy of Oh Myyy! There Goes The Internet, George Takei’s latest literary offering. Aberdeen Voice’s Suzanne Kelly was one of them, and she’s very glad indeed.

Wielding his pen with the same flair Sulu wielded a rapier in Star Trek, the wit of George Takei cuts grammar Nazis, spammers, homophobes, trolls and other ne’er-do-wells down to size.

Is this book an updated biography? Is it a how-to manual on effectively using social media? A treatise on tolerance and equality? A history of the internet? A philosophical discourse examining issues such as collective intelligence?

Perhaps it is a compendium of memes found on the net that will make you laugh out loud?

Yes to all these, and then some, including an examination of our fascination with the end of the world, and… bacon.

Taking its name from the exclamation of surprise now synonymous with Takei, Oh Myyy! mixes pearls of wisdom with memes (those cute/funny/cringe-making photos and captions found on Facebook and other social media websites). One moment the reader is presented with offerings such as:

“Have we as a society forgotten the importance of satire in our cultural dialogue? Have we grown so afraid of offending that we no longer dare pose the hard questions, or even the easy ones?”

The next, he/she is laughing out loud (perhaps I should say ‘LOL’) at memes of cats or tweets directed to Schwarzenegger.

The book also charts Takei’s journey from his early Twitter forays to becoming the de facto centre of news and fundraising when the 2011 Japanese tsunami and quake hit. No one could have foreseen his meteoric rise as a presence in social media from his early tweets and posts, but his messages and Public Service Announcements have become viral sensations.

Whether tackling an increasingly-fundamentalist element of American politics and its anti-gay legislation proposals, or the insidious and insipid Twilight franchise, Takei sets out to entertain and educate us: this strategy is key to what he has achieved.

Takei is not infallible and is the first to admit this, for instance owning up to accidentally posting Facebook status updates meant for intimate friends which went world-wide instead.

One of the book’s recurring themes is his sense of social responsibility. While he wants to post items on his home page to make people laugh, he also genuinely wishes to help as many deserving causes as he can.

Recognised world-wide as a humanitarian (most recently launching an appeal for the people hit by hurricane Sandy), Takei has been decorated by Japan in recognition for services to Japanese-American relations.

He is heavily involved in his legacy project ‘Allegiance’ – a musical concerning his experiences as a Japanese internment camp detainee in America. Takei is recognised the world over for his work to bring about equality for LGBT people, notably taking to task high-profile homophobic American figures.

Takei survived early life ordeals (spent in part in an American internment camp for those of Japanese ancestry and subsequent poverty before the family recovered) going on to carve out an incredible acting career, fight successfully for his beliefs, help just causes, and entertain like no one else can on social media. I personally think the secret to his tenacity, endurance and success is his sense of humour, which is splendidly wicked.

In the book’s closing pages, Takei asks us to ‘dig a bit deeper on the pressing questions of the day’ and to ‘remember to keep things lighthearted so as not to take ourselves too seriously.’ Truer words were never tweeted. Finally, he describes himself as ‘laughing alongside you as the naughty gay Asian uncle you wish you had.’ Takei is that uncle for several million people the world over.

This collection of gems will repay your attention with laughs one moment and food for thought regarding social issues the next. Fans of Takei (over 3 million Facebook likes) will perhaps appreciate most the author’s winsome tone ringing true in every sentence.

A famous model once said: ‘I never read any books I haven’t written,’ a risible claim as it was well-known her novels were ghosted. Takei may have had some help from his husband, some interns and others – but these are his words and thoughts presented in his own inimitable style.

Takei writes that he is dazzled and inspired by our technological society; this is evident in the way he uses media and in how he writes. It is often hard to remember this is a 75-year-old man; his energy and enthusiastic embrace of technology should inspire people of all ages to push the boundaries of their skills, to learn, and to explore.

Note: in Aberdeen, Silver City Surfers are ready, willing and able to help older citizens get to grips with computers and the internet. Contact them here if you need help getting online: http://www.silvercitysurfers.co.uk/

The downside for some Aberdonians is that, while George once referred to Donald Trump as a douchebag, he now seems to think there is a side to the Donald that is willing to listen. Many local residents will agree with Takei’s first assessment.

Below is a link for buying Oh Myyy! There Goes The Internet. This is not a read for the humourless, easily offended grammar Nazi troll, but it is great fun for the rest of us. As one Amazon reviewer put it:

“I got the e-book a week ago in the pre-sell and have already read it through twice and have directed many of my friends to get it for themselves. You will not be disappointed! Why haven’t you stopped reading this review and clicked on ‘Add to Cart’? ;)”

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AHP5NY6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AHP5NY6&linkCode=as2&tag=ohmy0c-20

The pre-order copy has an extra chapter providing further insight into Takei’s world. This closes with the words: ‘May we Live Long and Prosper Together,’ a noble sentiment echoing Star Trek’s famous Vulcan greeting.

Live long and prosper together? If more people had Takei’s social conscience, enthusiasm, optimism, humour and energy, then I dare say we could do.

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MSPs Back Youth Council’s Safer Sex Initiative

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Dec 062012

Aberdeen City Youth Council’s Safe Sex campaign, which aims to investigate and improve condom provision in schools, has won the support of two Aberdeen MSPs.

Barry Black, Council Chair and Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Aberdeen Central is leading the campaign and believes this drive for better contraception availability will reduce rates of STDs and teenage pregnancies.
The Youth Council has been inspired by the C-Card scheme in Edinburgh which aims to give young people over the age of thirteen free access to contraception.

Richard Baker, NE Regional MSP said:

“It is important that young people are able to make the right choices about practising safe sex. Schools have an important part to play in informing young people on these choices and I congratulate Aberdeen’s Scottish Youth Parliament Members for their campaign to raise awareness on this important issue. It is crucial because of the potential impact on young people’s lives and health.”

Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart agreed:

“Safe sex should always be encouraged and we need to ensure, as a society, we are consistent in that message.”

Mr Black commented:

“It is widely recognised that some young people under 16 are unable to get access to condoms, even though they are sexually active. Restricting condom availability to ‘underagers’ does not stop them having sex, it just makes it dangerous. People of every age are ‘at it’, regardless of whether or not you think it is appropriate, and all need to at least have access to contraception.

“It’s great to have our MSPs on board supporting our case at a national level. In Aberdeen we are going to get to the heart of the problem, investigating how young people can get access to condoms easier, and then pressuring the Council and other bodies to implement recommendations we will draw.

“We have had a really positive response from the administration, after they changed education travel policy following pressure from the group, and we are already in positive talks with councillors on how we can move forward with this campaign.”

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Students Call For Fairer Access To Education

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Dec 062012

As we strive towards a fairer society, University of Aberdeen students braved the ice and snow this week to collect signatures for a petition calling on management to open up the University to ¹“everyone who deserves it”. With thanks to Gordon Maloney.

A recent report by the National Union of Students in Scotland, ²Unlocking Scotland’s Potential, showed that of all the Scottish students at the University of Aberdeen just over 3% of them – barely 50 students – came from the most disadvantaged 20% of society, making it the second worst University in Scotland on access.

The petition is part of a national campaign calling on university principals to:

“Make a commitment to fairer access, retention and articulation and ensure they make real progress to really unlock Scotland’s potential.”

Noting that more needs to be done in this regard, Aberdeen University Students’ Association Welfare Officer Gordon Maloney said:

“Scotland has the worst record on access in the UK and Aberdeen is the second worst in Scotland.

“All the evidence suggests students from under-privileged backgrounds who get into university through access schemes often end up doing much better than fellow students from more wealthy backgrounds.

“What this means is that competent people are being denied a place at university, ultimately, because of their social class and that’s unacceptable.”

¹The petition can be accessed at http://www.unlockscotlandspotential.org/
² Full report available at http://www.nus.org.uk/Documents/NUS%20Scotland/Unlocking%20Scotland’s%20Potential.pdf

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Unpaid Carers: Secure Benefits While You Can

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Nov 302012

With thanks to Claire McBain.

To mark Carers’ Rights Day today (Friday 30 November), when an estimated two million people will have become unpaid carers, supporting someone who is ill, frail or disabled, since 30 November 2011, local charity VSA’s Carers’ Service is determined to educate as many local carers as they can about their rights, before it’s too late.

An estimated £5.3billion has been wiped from the economy in lost earnings due to people who have dropped out of the workforce to take on unpaid caring responsibilities.

Could more knowledge about carers’ options and benefits prevent informal, unpaid carers having to choose between staying in paid employment and being at home to care?
http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/healthandsocialcare/2012/04/25/dr-linda-pickard-public-expenditure-costs-of-carers-leaving-employment/

Chris Sojka, a carer support worker at VSA, said:

“Living costs are rising, and the UK faces salary freezes and job losses, but for families affected by illness and disability, the situation can be a lot worse. Their struggle can be harder, faced with added costs of caring and lost earnings, as well as the risk of cuts to essential services and benefits. Carers make a huge contribution to society. It’s about time society gave them something back.”

“On Carers’ Rights Day we want to educate as many local carers as possible about how to get help in tough times. We can point them in the direction of financial help, boost confidence when asking for a helping hand and educate carers on getting the most from technological sources.”

“Earlier this year, we revealed that there are at least 25,000 unpaid carers in Aberdeen city and shire. There are lots more unidentified, who take their role in their stride and don’t realise they’re entitled to support. We want to make life as easy and financially stress-free as possible.”

Carers UK recently revealed the extra costs of ill-health and disability. These families commonly face higher household bills, particularly food and heating. The rise in VAT hits carers hard, often spending more on VAT-rated products such as cleaning materials, detergents, bed clothes and bandages. In addition, Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind and has lost value according to earnings since its creation in the 1970s.

There are nearly six million carers in the country. The Scottish Household Survey, conducted by The Scottish Government in 2010 reported 657,300 carers north of the border, more than 25,000 of which live in Aberdeen City. Within this, there are an estimated 2240 Young Carers in Aberdeen and far more ‘hidden carers’, both adult and child.

Earlier this year, Aberdeen Lord Provost George Adam spoke at a Carers Week lunch. He said:

“We, as a city, can’t hold carers in a high enough regard. It’s vitally important that we raise awareness of the work they do and highlight the support and representation that is out there for them.”

Aberdeen City Council, VSA Carers’ Service and NHS Grampian will reach out to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire carers at an information point at Aberdeen Indoor Market on Friday 30 November between 11am-3pm, offering information and advice about carers’ rights.

VSA will also host an information session at Horizons Rehabilitation Centre, 2 Eday Walk, Summerhill, Aberdeen about Telecare, how it can help carers and the people they care for. To find out more about equipment available, such as fall, heat and flood detectors, bed and chair sensors, book a place by calling 01224 212021 or e-mail carers.info@vsa.org.uk

For more information about VSA Carers Services, visit our headquarters at 38 Castle Street, call 01224 212021, visit our website at www.vsa.org.uk/carers or e-mail carers.info@vsa.org.uk

VSA Recruiting To Stem Support Drought

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Nov 302012

With thanks to Claire McBain.

This week, Voluntary Services Aberdeen (VSA), the UK’s largest city social care charity, took positive steps to combat a predicted downward recruitment trend by extending opportunities to a new generation of care workers.

VSA’s month-long effort culminating in a recruitment day on 29 November, to attract new blood into employment in older peoples’ services, mental health services and Linn Moor School.

The service, which employs around 500 people, both full and part-time, hosted recruitment stands and mini-interviews at Union Square and VSA’s Castle Street headquarters.

Earlier this week Marjory Moran, VSA Director of Services for Older People , told Aberdeen Voice:

“We’ve looked to the future of Aberdeen’s recruitment market and predict a serious lack of care workers. Qualified support staff are aging and it’s difficult to get more due to Aberdeen’s economic bubble. A huge pool of resources goes into oil and gas. Saying that, we’re obviously very grateful for this energy bubble, as many oil and gas giants support their communities through VSA.

“We want to increase the pool of staff for VSA and the industry as a whole by pioneering the idea that anyone can do it. Whatever your skills, there’s a place for you. Obviously we love hearing from qualified support workers but regardless of job history, if you have the life skills, we’ll provide the training and qualifications. Who else will provide the next set of qualified care staff if we don’t get them on the career ladder?”

Jacqui Sharp (pictured), a senior support worker at VSA’s Westerton Crescent, emphasised the care worker time bomb:

“I should have retired four years ago. But I love my job. I’m forcing myself to retire next year though.”

Marjory continued:

“You don’t need a care-related qualification to apply to VSA. There are major career progression opportunities here. We want to hear from naturally compassionate people who can leverage their personal caring experience, like bringing up children, caring for a disabled relative or looking after an ill friend, to get into social care.

“VSA looks after more than 2500 people in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Over the years, it’s branched out to provide support it couldn’t before. We need to secure staff now to make sure we can keep this up in future. It’s all about caring for the community you live in.”

Ex-hairdresser Sarah Taylor, support worker at VSA’s Arrdeir House, is part of a new generation of support workers:

“I’d always wanted to care for people but assumed you needed a qualification. I didn’t think companies would give you a chance and train you But seven years later, after studying and working in hairdressing, I found VSA and started work with absolutely no training in care. I’m doing my SVQ and studying other modules to progress my career. It’s the best move I ever made. I should have done it years ago.’

“I was used to building relationships with clients so took my social skills with me. But I was surprised to realise that my hair and beauty abilities have been useful too. I’ve started hosting therapeutic nights for the service users. It makes them feel pampered without travelling far or spending money. And for me, it’s a good, different way of having one-to-one time with them.”

VSA has created city-wide vacancies after completing a two-year plan to improve its service.

For more information or to apply for a position:

www.vsa.org.uk/jobs
e-mail: HR@vsa.org.uk
Tel: 01224 358589

Ceilidh Fundraiser For Easter Anguston Farm

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

Nov 262012

L-R Robbie Shepherd, James Spears at VSA's Easter Anguston Farm's prize giving in Sept 2012

With thanks to Claire McBain.

Local charity VSA’s Easter Anguston Farm, a Peterculter-based visitor attraction that offers vocational training and support to adults with learning difficulties, is urging its local community in Peterculter, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to get behind its Ruby Doo, St Andrew’s Day ceilidh, to mark the farm’s 40th anniversary.

The Ruby Doo takes place at the Culter Mills Club, Peterculter, on Friday 30 November when Easter Anguston Farm will host an evening of live music from Dark Island, with ceilidh dancing and stovies.

While staff and service users from Easter Anguston Farm and VSA in general will attend, farm operations manager Fiona Davidson is encouraging the wider community to get involved.

Fiona said:

“Easter Anguston has been welcoming people from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire for 40 years, as visitors to the farm and as working trainees. Friday night will be an amazing celebration of how far we’ve come. It was established to give students from VSA’s Linn Moor School support and sheltered employment after their school years. But the farm and its service users have changed dramatically. Now, we’re open to anyone in the North-east and employ from as far afield as Moray, Angus and Falkirk.

“The farm’s purpose has evolved too. In recent years, the introduction of nature trails, a children’s play area, farm shop, garden centre and café, has turned Easter Anguston into a tourist hotspot, popular with families with young children, school groups and older visitors.

“But our purpose remains solid forty years on. We want to develop our trainees to the point that they can secure work in the sometimes scary job market. We work on personal skills and social skills but also help develop expertise in agriculture and land-based work.

“Friday will be a fun night in aid of a really worthwhile cause with our endlessly enthusiastic service users getting everyone in the party spirit.”

The Ruby Doo takes place on Friday 30 November, 7.30pm-midnight at the Culter Mills Club, Peterculter.

Tickets cost £12.50 per person, £10 for concessions and can be obtained by calling 01224 212021 or e-mailing fundraising@vsa.org.uk

For more information about VSA’s Easter Anguston Farm, contact Fiona Davidson on 01224 733627.

A ‘Gift Horse’ for Charity?

Aberdeen City, Charity, Information No Responses »

Nov 162012

A Charity Race Night will be held in The New Greentrees pub, Dyce on Friday 23rd November to raise funds for Future Choices. With thanks to Aaron McIntosh

Future Choices celebrates its 5th birthday in 2013, having provided the disabled community with social interaction throughout this time. The services now offered range from arts and crafts to sports games, alternative therapy and singing.

The charity is about to open a new office where it can build on current success and hopefully provide more classes in the near future.

Sixteen year old Aaron McIntosh, Future Choices’ Chief Fundraiser told Aberdeen voice:

“The charity helps the disabled community gain much needed social inclusion and recreational activities.”

Key to social inclusion is the recent purchase of a minibus enabling members to travel safely and attend organised events and activities, as well as carrying out tasks that able bodied people take for granted.

Several months ago the charity launched an appeal called Cash For Cans which successfully raised the cost of the minibus. Funding the upkeep of the vehicle has been more problematic, however.

As Aaron explained:

“We were struggling financially a while ago then we launched ‘Cash For Cans,’ asking members of the public for their empty used drink cans which we then exchanged for cash.

“That gave us the financial backing to go and buy a bus and then keep the appeal going to fund the maintenance, but due to the decline in metal price, we had to sadly terminate the appeal.

“My job as Chief Fundraiser for the charity is too raise as much money as possible, which is why we’re putting on a Charity Race Night.

“Everyone loves giving, especially at this time of year, and having a flutter and a boogie along with a raffle makes a cold evening joyful as the money raised helps the people who need it most.”

For those who haven’t been to a Charity Race Night, they are exciting events which give members of the public the opportunity to place a small bet on a filmed horse race, with a percentage of the winnings going to the charity in question – in this case, Future Choices.

The event will be held in The New Greentrees pub, Dyce on Friday 23 November from 19.30pm until midnight, with tickets £7 per person. There will also be stovies, a raffle and disco.

To buy tickets, please contact Aaron directly on 07591 598480

More Than £130,000 Raised For VSA

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

Nov 092012

VSA Aberdeen’s annual Diamond Ball was a massive success. Supporter Garreth Wood of the Speratus Group boosts the feelgood factor by announcing an extra 3-year commitment to the charity. With thanks to Claire Mcbain

L-R Garreth Wood and Sally Finnie wearing the diamond necklace donated by Garreth and supported by Finnies the Jewellers

The UK’s largest city social care charity VSA raised more than £130,000 at its Diamond Ball on Saturday 03 November.
This total was reached combining a silent auction, live auction and funds raised when loyal VSA supporter and main ball sponsor Garreth Wood donated a full day’s takings from four of his city bars totalling more than £48,500.

Garreth, of The Speratus Group, has supported VSA for three years through its ball and associated fundraisers. He has also contributed staff time through corporate volunteering.

His initial three-year pledge was completed last night but Garreth delighted ball guests by announcing an additional 3-year commitment to VSA worth around £250,000.

“I’m over the moon with what we raised last weekend for such an incredible cause,” said Garreth. “I’m so very proud of our enthusiastic, hardworking staff and I’m really grateful to the people of Aberdeen. We challenged them to come out and support VSA and they absolutely surpassed our expectations.

“Working closely with VSA over the past three years has been very fulfilling for me and my team. I’m very much looking forward to growing that relationship over the next three years. I feel very much part of the VSA family and I’m fully committed to their worthy cause.

“Part of the Speratus Partnership’s mission is to develop young people with learning difficulties and disabilities and, personally, I’m very passionate about providing high standards of care to our elderly population. Naturally, my pledge for the next three years will focus on these areas within VSA.”

VSA Director of Fundraising and Communications Karen Barlow said:

“The event was a sell-out and I’m delighted with how much our generous guests raised for VSA through the silent auction, live auction and raffle. Events like this are essential to make sure VSA can continue supporting people in Aberdeen city and shire each year.

“Garreth has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for VSA over the last three years and we’re ecstatic to have him on board for longer than expected. He really understands VSA and he’s passionate about helping us achieve our goals. We’re so excited and already forming plans for the next step.”

This year’s ball was themed to honour VSA patron Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and attracted almost 350 guests to Aberdeen’s Ardoe House Hotel. To celebrate the jubilee, a diamond necklace donated by Garreth and supported by Finnies the Jewellers was raffled and won by one lucky lady.

The event was also sponsored by chartered accountants Simpson Forsyth, oilfield service company Roemex Ltd, NYOP Education and luxury hamper company Highland Fayre. Principal sponsor Garreth traditionally marks the ball date by donating monies from several of his Aberdeen bars. This year all four city centre hotspots – Amicus Apple, Illicit Still, Paramount and NOX – took part in the fundraiser.

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