Support Archives - Page 12 of 19

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

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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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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Families Of Deaf Children Share Experiences

Articles, Information No Responses »

Jan 142016

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

Deafness is no barrier to children achieving great things, parents will learn on a weekend course run by NCDS and funded by Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation.

Parents will learn that deafness is no barrier to preventing their child achieving their dreams on a weekend course dedicated to providing peer support, expert advice and professional information for families getting to grips with a diagnosis.
Over 90% of deaf children in Scotland are from hearing families with no previous history or experience of deafness, so for many parents the diagnosis comes as a devastating and overwhelming shock.

Help is on hand from the National Deaf Children’s Society (NCDS) which, with a grant from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation, is organising a weekend gathering for 12 families with deaf babies or toddlers living in Scotland to share experiences and learn more about the help and support available to them.

From birth through to independence, the NCDS supports deaf children and young people but in the early years of a child’s development, it is parents who will need the charity the most. With the low incidence of deafness in Scotland, families often find themselves to be unique within their immediate communities, leading to feelings of isolation and uncertainty.

Heather Gray, NDCS director for Scotland and Northern Ireland explains:

“The NDCS Early Years weekends empower and inform parents at a crucial stage in their child’s development, and offer vital support and advice at a time when parents are still getting to grips with their child’s diagnosis.

“Families receive clear, unbiased information from audiology, education and from local sources of support over the course of the weekend, giving parents the opportunity to explore the options that are available to their child and ask the questions they have been unable to ask in busy everyday situations.

“Through receiving this information in a safe and relaxed environment, parents are able to gain an understanding of childhood deafness and develop a network of support which can assist them now and in the future.”

By bringing families together, parents have the opportunity to share their experiences and access vital peer support that can often exist far beyond the weekend itself. In addition, families also find reassurance in the shared experiences of parent volunteers, and inspiration and encouragement through speaking to young deaf role models.

The NCDS has its Scottish headquarters in Glasgow, and the families weekend, open to families from across Scotland with a deaf child from birth to two years old, will take place in Edinburgh in February 2016.

The impact of NDCS’ Early Years weekends is clear – all parents who attended weekends in 2014 said they felt more positive about their child’s future, and all agreed that the weekend helped them to make positive decisions and choices. 100% of families also felt more confident in working with professionals to ensure the right support for their child. Over the two days, families become informed, empowered and connected, three characteristics that stay with them long into the future.

One parent said:

“I have learned more about my child’s hearing loss in the past two days than I have in the past two months.’ It was eye opening to hear other people with similar or even more difficult circumstances. Great to share stories about struggles.”

Karin Hyland, of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation said: “The weekend will help 12 families; enabling parents to become part of a positive community network of mutual self-support.

“Families will also be informed about access to services which encourage improved community relations, reduce isolation and improve peer support through this valuable outreach work by the NCDS.”

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Aboyne Resident Celebrates Mini Win

Aberdeenshire, Featured No Responses »

Jan 142016

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix

(left to right): Susan Crighton, CLAN fundraising manager, Bob Anderson, Mini winner, Alan Pirie, of the Aberdeen and North East Rotary Clubs.

A north-east man whose wife was helped by cancer charities has become the winner of a Mini in a popular annual fundraiser.
Bob Anderson, of Aboyne, bought the winning ticket in the raffle, organised by CLAN Cancer Support and Rotary Clubs throughout the north-east of Scotland, on the spur of the moment on the day of the draw at the Bon Accord and St Nicholas centre in Aberdeen.

His win has been made all the more special as he lost his wife Maureen to breast cancer in July last year (2015), with the pair always doing their bit to support local cancer charities.

He said:

“I didn’t believe it when I got the call from the Rotary initially, I thought someone was playing a hoax. It was Susan Crighton of CLAN who then phoned later and I saw her name in the paper so I thought then it must be real. It is a great start to the New Year for me.

“My wife Maureen died of breast cancer in July. She was helped by a number of cancer charities with her care, we always tried to support their fundraising efforts however we could, and buying raffle tickets here and there.

“It was amazing that my ticket turned out to be the winning one, especially as I bought it on the day. I had bought one earlier on at Pittodrie. Local charities like CLAN make such a difference to people and I think it is very important that they are supported.”

More than £56,500 was raised through tickets sale, with the final overall total still being calculated. The raffle is an integral part of the charity’s fundraising campaign and is run by the Rotary, with members of the 22 local clubs running it to support CLAN. All profit is split between the charity and the Rotary club, with the Mini being part-sponsored by Domino’s Pizza.

Susan Crighton, CLAN fundraising manager, said:

“It is always a lovely moment when Alan and I get to phone the winner of the draw and tell them that they have won a brand new car. We are thrilled to have presented Bob with the Mini now, although he took some persuading from the Rotary and myself to believe that he had won. We all hope he enjoys it, particularly given the difficult time he has been going through.

“The raffle is a hugely important fundraising tool for us and I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the Rotary clubs, who help us so much with it each year. Their dedication and kindness really does make all the difference. We would also like to thank everyone that has supported us by buying a raffle ticket.”

Alan Pirie, of the Aberdeen and North East Rotary Clubs, said: “We were delighted to partner up with CLAN Cancer Support again and would like to extend our congratulations to Bob. Our members have been helping by selling raffle tickets at various events the length and breadth of the north-east for the past eight months. It is lovely to see the Mini go to someone who knows how important local cancer charities like CLAN are and the difference they can make.”

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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Lump Sum To Help City Adoption Charity

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 312015

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR

The St Andrew’s Children’s Society has been operating in Aberdeen since 2013.

A charity which plays a key role in maximising adoption opportunities for children in the North-east of Scotland has received support of £4,000 from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation.
With more children in need of adoption than there are homes for them, The St Andrew’s Children’s Society plays a pivotal part in finding caring homes for children across Scotland.

Many of the 1,000 plus children in local authority care in Aberdeen and the North-east would benefit from adoption or long term fostering, and the Charitable Foundation donation will support the charity’s work to actively find potential adopters in the region.

Dan Docwra, fundraiser, for the St Andrew’s Children’s Society said:

“Our project builds upon excellent foundation work of our first two years in Aberdeen seeking potential adopters in the North-east whom we can prepare for the role of adoptive parents. This funding from Aberdeen Asset Management helps us do just that.

“We know that there are families and individuals who, with our training and preparation, would be ideal adoptive parents. Adopters come from all walks of life, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, marital status or sexual orientation. We would love to find more adopters in Aberdeen and if we can get the right people we can find a child or children for them.”

The charity which has been operating in Aberdeen since 2013 has moved into improved offices that are better suited for the holding of preparation training and the delivery of full after-adoption support, including its SafeBase Parenting Programme for parents experiencing relationship difficulties with children they have adopted. Its recruitment, training and placement programme is ongoing, only restricted by limited sources.

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation said:

“As a fully functioning branch of the St Andrew’s Children’s Society, a vital service has been established in the North-east, helping to reduce the number of children in local authority care by providing loving and caring families.”

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

Anyone interested in more information about adoption opportunities should contact the St Andrew’s Children’s Society on 01224 878158 or email info@standrews-children.org.uk

Aberdeen Asset Management Reflects On Season Of Giving

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 312015

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR

A host of worthy causes have been able to develop outreach work and support more people thanks to a helping hand from the Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation which during 2015 has shared out well over £100,000 with a range of different projects working in Scotland.

The biggest single donation of 2015 was £17,203 to Befriend A Child to support underprivileged and vulnerable children living in Aberdeen for whom a troubled family life with drug and alcohol misuse, physical abuse and neglect is a daily reality.

The charity matches young people to an adult volunteer so positive childhood memories can be developed through a range of different experiences over the course of a year.

Venture Scotland helps some of the most disadvantaged young people in Scotland turn their lives around and received £15,000. The donation is for its Journey programme helping young people in Edinburgh to face up to the challenges holding them back and develop skills to overcome them.

The YMCA received £9,700 to support its Plusone programme for 8-14 year olds at risk of offending in Edinburgh. It offers one-to-one mentoring for children from the east end of city at a critical time in their lives, helping to divert them away from negative pathways to reduce the likelihood of them entering the children’s hearing system and to build positive relations, confidence and self-esteem.

HopScotch was able to provide 36 vulnerable children from deprived parts of Aberdeen and Edinburgh with an inspiring, educational and fun respite break with £9,000 from Aberdeen Asset Management.

With £8,433 the National Deaf Children’s Society is funding a weekend for 12 families with deaf babies or toddlers living in Scotland to share experience and learn more about the help and support available. The gathering, to be held in Edinburgh in February, offers vital support and advice at a time when parents are still getting to grips with their child’s diagnosis.

A cosier winter was in store for disadvantaged youngsters in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with a £7,500 donation to Cash for Kids in Aberdeen which went towards the purchase of warm winter clothing.

By pouring in £7,236 to the Teapot Trust, the Charitable Foundation has supported the provision of open group art therapy at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital for kids with chronic illness.

£6,600 to Lothian Autistic Society has gone to help its Fun and Friendship Project while £4,000 awarded to The Open Door in Edinburgh has supported those living with mental health problems and the elderly. Clan Childlaw Ltd gained £4000 towards its aim to make sure every young person in Scotland has access to legal advice.

The new Simeon Care centre for the Elderly in Aberdeen received a ‘moving in’ present as residents settle into the new care facility, with a grant of £7,000 being used towards purchasing new furniture for Simeon House.

Movie magic lit up the lives of sick kids after Aberdeen Asset Management donated £6,800 to the new Medicinema at Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow to cover the costs of screening two cinema shows a week for a full month.

Rape and Abuse Support received £4,000 to help get a new project to support childhood rape and abuse survivors off the ground while the same amount was awarded to the St Andrew’s Children’s Society to maximise adoption opportunities for children in the North-east of Scotland.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, said:

“We’ve been happy to give our support to these very worthy causes during 2015 and we look forward to continuing to support charitable organisations and projects in the areas where we operate, and where our staff live, in 2016.”

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. 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

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Festive Mission For AAM Appentices

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 242015

Young staff at Aberdeen Asset Management L to R: Maja Omorczyk, Abigail Skene, Harry Rothnie, Raegan McBain and Rachel Adam.

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR.

Christmas is a time for giving and apprentices at Aberdeen Asset Management have been delighted to give their time in order to provide a brighter festive time for disadvantaged children in the North-east of Scotland.
Just like Santa’s elves at Christmas, they rolled up their sleeves to sort and bag parcels that will bring festive cheer to youngsters. And by taking part in Cash For Kids’ Mission Christmas Campaign, the young staff have made a meaningful contribution that will give joy to underprivileged families in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Statistics reveal that one in six children in the North-east are living in poverty, and the appeal aims to make Christmas morning special for disadvantaged children and young people, by asking people to give a gift at drop off points throughout the region.

A total of 10 Aberdeen-based apprentices and young colleagues have been among the volunteers that have been helping the 2015 appeal.

The public have generously responded to the call to donate gifts, and volunteers have uplifted donations, sorted them into age and gender categories, and selected gifts to match order requests coming in from schools and other organisations.

Charity manager Michelle Ferguson from the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal in Aberdeen said:

“We’re delighted that young staff and apprentices, who have study commitments and other responsibilities as they learn in the workplace, have been among our volunteers this year.

“This is a great way to encourage responsible citizenship, and all efforts for the campaign really do make a difference to the lives of families living in our local communities.

“Without volunteers we would not be physically able to do this and at a time when applications are up the public response have been fantastic. We thank all our supporters who have donated cash and gifts, and those who have volunteered.”

Collectively, Aberdeen Asset Management staff have given around 70 hours of hands-on support and were happy to devote their time to such a worthy cause, finding the numbers of families in need of help quite breath-taking.

Apprentice Harry Rothnie (18) said:

“It was great to see so many gifts and toys which were bought for those who are under privileged in both the City and Shire. Due to the generosity of the public, it will make Christmas Day an even more joyous and memorable occasion for parents and children this year.”

Fellow apprentice Maja Omarczyk (19) added:

“I volunteered to help Cash for kids Mission Christmas’ campaign as I wanted to give something back to the community. One thing that I definitely got out of this is that not all children can be as lucky as others, it is very sad to know that some children could have woke up on Christmas morning without any present to open, but thanks to the generosity of people and the amazing Mission Christmas campaign all children will be able to enjoy Christmas.

“I’m so happy that I was able to help and I will definitely do it again next year.”

Morven Hutcheon (19), customer services administrator, enjoyed getting involved and said: “It was a rewarding experience that made me think how lucky I actually am. Seeing how many toys generous people in our city have donated and to be given out to children across the North-east was a real eye opener. I didn’t realise how many children in my own area were living in poverty. I’ll definitely volunteer again next year.”

Apprentice Abigail Skene (19) was pleased to be able to give something back to her community and added:

“It’s so sad knowing that some children could wake up on Christmas with no presents to open, but thanks to the amazing Mission Christmas campaign, these children can wake up and enjoy Christmas with their families.”

Lynn Brown, from Aberdeen Asset Management’s learning and development team said that by volunteering for Mission Christmas, apprentices and young people were able to do something positive to help in their community over the festive season.

Lynn said:

“We’re proud of the contribution our apprentices make and this is another example of how our young employees make a positive impact, in this case outwith the workplace in a community project that helps bring happiness to the lives of children at Christmas time.”

Mission Christmas has around 150 drop-off points for donations located around the City and Shire and by the time Christmas comes the appeal will have responded to 5,500 applications for help – significantly up on last year’s figure of over 4,700.

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Donate Christmas Stamps To CLAN Cancer Support

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 242015

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

Individuals are being asked to think of a leading north-east cancer support charity this Christmas by donating leftover stamps.

CLAN Cancer Support has issued an appeal for any second-hand stamps from Christmas presents and card packaging that it can recycle to raise funds.

The charity, which provides free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north-east of Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, is also on the hunt for all foreign coins, including old British money.

As well as the stamps and coins, CLAN is also asking individuals to donate any unwanted mobile phone handsets, of any condition, which again can be recycled to raise funds for the charity.

CLAN launched a similar appeal this time last year and saw hundreds of handsets donated, along with a range of coins and stamps with all funds raised going towards its provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“This Christmas, we’re on the hunt for any leftover coins, stamps and mobile phones that we can recycle to raise funds for CLAN.

“With the sending of presents and cards at Christmas, stamps really are in plentiful supply at this time of year, along with new mobile phone handsets so we’re looking for the help of anyone who may have spares leftover.

“We’ve had great success in the past with this appeal and I’d like to thank all those who have donated any of these to the charity. Your donation really can make a big difference.”

Donations of foreign coins, stamps and mobile phones can be made in person at CLAN House on Westburn Road or at either of the charity’s shops on Rosemount Place and Chapel Street.

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

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Reindeer Help Pull In Toys For Mission Christmas

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 172015

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

A class of enterprising school children are set for Santa’s good list after raising money for Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas gift appeal by making and selling hot chocolate reindeer.

Primary 4/5 at Westhill Primary School made the festive hot chocolate gifts to sell at the school’s recent Christmas Fayre.

Calling themselves Rudolph’s Hot Choc Team, the pupils filled clear plastic piping bags with hot chocolate powder and mini marshmallows to create a festive gift that could be given as a Christmas present.

The bags were decorated to look like Santa’s most important reindeer, Rudolph. Brown pipe cleaners tied the top of the bags and doubled as antlers, while boggle eyes and a small red pompom were added to complete Rudolph’s iconic look. Their creative endeavours helped the class pull in a sackful of cash which totalled £230, with £150 of that being donated to the Mission Christmas appeal and the remainder going to school funds.

The youngsters were inspired to support the Mission Christmas appeal after learning that thousands of children living in the north-east might wake up on Christmas morning without a present to open.

Mission Christmas is an annual children’s gift appeal that is organised by Aberdeen-based children’s charity Cash for Kids and this year’s appeal is supported by The Wood Foundation. Cash for Kids expects to distribute toys and gifts to around 5,000 north-east children this year and will gift three items, totalling around £50, to each child.

The Westhill Primary pupils visited the town’s Tesco store this week to spend their cash to purchase toys and gifts for the appeal. Managers at the store were so impressed by the pupils’ fundraising that they decided to give the youngsters £100 of extra toys to donate to the appeal.

Michelle Ferguson, Cash for Kids charity manager, said:

“This was a fantastic initiative from primary 4/5 at Westhill Primary School. We can’t thank them enough for supporting the Mission Christmas appeal and I know that all the items they’ve chosen will be really appreciated by all the children who receive them.

“Without the support of the north-east public we would not be able to support the thousands of children each Christmas. The public’s generosity is incredible, whether it’s donating items or volunteering to help distribute gifts. This year we are struggling for suitable items to fill applications for children aged seven and upwards, so any gifts that fit that category would be really appreciated.”

Westhill Primary teacher, Claire Thomson, said:

“When the children heard about the Mission Christmas appeal and that so many children in the area might not get a present to open on Christmas morning they really wanted to help. They did a brilliant job coming up with the idea of creating the hot chocolate reindeer, making them and then selling them at the fayre. There are definitely a few aspiring entrepreneurs in the class.”

To bolster financial donations to the appeal the charity is staging a Christmas jumper day on Friday, 11 December. The money raised by the £1 donation from each person taking part will be used to purchase gift cards, toys and gifts in order to fill any gaps.

The final day for donating toys and gifts to the appeal is Friday, 18 December. Around 90 donation points – more than ever before – are located across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire where people can drop off a new, unwrapped gift. The gifts will then be distributed to those in need in time for Christmas.

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 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.

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