Support Archives - Page 17 of 19

Runners Show Support For CLAN At Baker Hughes 10k

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

May 222015

With thanks to Paul Smith, Citrus Mix.

Hundreds of runners have shown their support for a leading north-east cancer support charity by taking part in the Baker Hughes 10k road race on its behalf.

Over 115 individuals laced up their running shoes in support of CLAN Cancer Support at the popular event on Sunday (May 17), helping raise thousands of pounds for the charity with donations still flooding in.

Runners were also accompanied by charity mascot CLANCY who was taking part in the race for the first time. The charity also helped provide marshals to help with the event itself.

Organised by Sport Aberdeen, the beachfront run is the largest 10k race in the north-east and attracts thousands of participants on a yearly basis.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, was delighted with the support shown towards the charity.

She said:

“CLAN has had a presence at the Baker Hughes race for a number of years now and the support for the charity really has grown in tandem with the popularity of the event.

“Across the entire morning, there was a sea of runners donned in CLAN t-shirts making their way along the route and I’d like to personally thank each and every person who gave up their time to run for the charity at the race.

“Donations are still flooding in and all funds raised from the race will go directly towards our provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer. Participating in events like these on our behalf really does help us in all that we do.”

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, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

Clan Cancer Support Set For New Era

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Apr 232015

CLAN chief executive Debbie Thomson

With thanks to Phil Moar, Citrus Mix.

CLAN Cancer Support chief executive Debbie Thomson (pictured) is preparing to pass on the baton after more than 14 successful years with the north-east charity.

Mrs Thomson will stand down from the post in July and has been praised for her role in spearheading the organisation’s growth and cementing its reputation as a leader in its field.

Under her stewardship, CLAN has grown from employing a team of five to a staff of over 60 and has expanded its reach from Aberdeen to provide services throughout Aberdeenshire and Moray as well as in Shetland and Orkney.

Highlights included the planning, construction and launch of the £3 million purpose built CLAN House and CLAN Haven facilities on Westburn Road in Aberdeen in addition to a year of celebrations to mark the charity’s 30th anniversary in 2013.

Kenny Anderson, CLAN chairman, said:

“Debbie has been integral to everything that has been achieved during her time as chief executive. On behalf of the board and the entire CLAN family, I must thank her for her passion, commitment and forward thinking.

“We are grateful that Debbie has agreed to continue to enable us to benefit from her experience and expertise as a volunteer as well as accepting the invitation to become a valued patron. She has left a tremendous legacy and provided firm foundations for the next stage of our journey.”

The departing chief executive was appointed in January 2001 and had a clear vision to expand the charity’s role to provide support to anyone affected by cancer within its catchment area.

Mrs Thomson said:

“It has been a privilege to serve CLAN as chief executive and I’ll continue to support as a patron. After almost a decade and a half in the role, I feel now is the right time to explore other opportunities and embrace fresh challenges.

“I am proud at what we have achieved and overcome as a team and CLAN will always hold a special place in my heart. The ethos of CLAN has been ‘to comfort always’ and I believe we have fulfilled that aim through the efforts of our wonderful staff, counsellors, therapists and volunteers. I know that will continue to be the case.

“What we never lose sight of is the fact that the individuals and families we support are at the heart of everything CLAN does. My time in the post has been both a humbling and inspirational experience.”

The process has now begun to recruit a new chief executive to lead the charity in the next stage of its development.

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, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick. For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

Aberdeen Cyreneans Rucksack Project 2014

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Dec 112014

At this time of year homelessness and hunger hit the vulnerable particularly hard; even in our prosperous city there are rough sleepers and people with issues who need help. The generosity shown by those who donated and volunteered at this year’s Rucksack Project will go a fair way to help. Suzanne Kelly dropped off her goods, and spoke to the volunteers.

On Saturday 6 December people converged on the Cyreneans’ facilities at 62 Summer Street to donate rucksacks filled with essentials – warm clothing, food, hand warmers, toiletries and more.

Over one hundred rucksacks were collected; these will be handed out to the homeless. Excess packs will be handed out later in the year- and it is not too late to donate.

People currently living rough in Aberdeen are people who have fallen on hard times for numerous reasons – loss of job and home, substance abuse issues, mental health problems, marital break-ups and ex-servicemen.

Depute Chief Executive, Scott Baxter spoke to Aberdeen Voice; he and his team are greatly appreciative of the generosity shown.

He explained that each day on average 35 people come to 62 Summer street for food, to wash, to do their laundry, and crucially for help in getting back on their feet. He led a tour of the facilities. It is clear the Cyreneans are doing a great deal of good work – but they can always use more help, more goods, more volunteers and more resources.

Anyone who finds themselves homeless should report in the first instance to Aberdeen City Council by visiting Marischal College, stating they are homeless and need shelter.

The Rucksack project is a worldwide movement born out of the simple idea to help those sleeping rough during the freezing winter months. The idea behind the rucksack project is simple, participants are asked to provide a rucksack and fill it with items which rough sleepers can use.

Ideal items include a sleeping bag, roll mat, waterproofs, warm clothes, thermals, hat, gloves, scarf, hand warmers, flask, underwear, mini first aid kit, toiletries tissues, lip balm and instant food – i.e. soup and noodle packets. There is no expectation to fill a rucksack with all these items, this is merely a guide as to what would be helpful.

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Willows Animal Sanctuary Open Day Saturday 5 July

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Information No Responses »

Jul 042014

This Saturday offers two great opportunities for animal lovers to enjoy an entertaining day out and help support animal welfare charities into the bargain. With thanks to Suzanne Kelly.

Willows Animal Sanctuary invites you, your friends and family to its next Open Day. Willows in Strichen will hold its gala day this Saturday 5th July.

Come join the staff, farm, domestic, exotic and wild animals living at Willows.

There will be loads to do and see, and animals to meet.

All are welcome to come see the animals, meet the staff, and join in the festivities.

The events run from 11:30 am through 4:30pm; they include:

Live music,
Bottle Stall,
Tombola,
Plant sale,
Lucky ducks,
Gift shop,
Coffee Shop,
Raffle,
and Home-bakes.

Jenny Gray of Willows said:-

“We are hoping this will become a popular annual event to raise money for our winter feed.”

Costs for everyone are spiralling upwards, and animal sanctuaries such as Willows must bear the brunt of price increases. They are reliant on donors to keep going.

A new foal, Fern will be one of the stars of the show. Other new additions include a blind lamb and a racehorse.

Willows were approached by a caring lady who lives near Glasgow and asked to help with a blind lamb whose mother died giving birth to her. Willows were able to give her sanctuary here and also to accept another orphan lamb to become her sighted companion. The blind lamb has been checked by a vet and given the all clear. Both lambs have settled in well and are very popular with visitors.

Chief is an ex racehorse who arrived in early March 2014. His owner was desperate to find him a safe home as he had lost his companions one by one as they be-came old and unwell and these losses were making him extremely stressed. He is an absolutely lovely boy who was totally relaxed about being relocated to Willows.

Somehow the new arrivals sense the peaceful atmosphere at Willows Animal Sanctuary and quickly appear as if they have been resident for years!

Also on Saturday, Redwing Riding School will hold its annual show at Blaikewell Farm.

Click to Enlarge.

Redwing Riding school was opened in 1985 to pay for the maintenance of the growing animal population at Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary. Blaikewell is a small charity in Deeside, Aberdeenshire, providing a home to over 60 horses and ponies, two Jersey cows, and six pigs as well as cats, dogs and any other animal or bird that needs a safe place.
Redwing Riding School has always been conducted with the welfare of the horses and ponies firmly in first place

There will be prizes for horse and rider in many different events, and a raffle to raise funds for the school and Blaikiewell’s. Anyone wishing to help support the animals at Blaikewell can make a donation via this link.

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Help for Heroes Go Wild with ‘Wild things!’

Aberdeenshire, Events No Responses »

Jun 272014

With thanks to Jennifer Kelly.

This July, Help for Heroes Recovery Centre, Tedworth House in Wiltshire, will welcome environmental education charity Wild things! as they run a nationally accredited training programme for wounded, injured and sick serving and veteran members of the Armed Forces.

The course was developed by Wild things! founder and executive director, Jennie Martin in consultation with staff from the University of the Highlands and Islands, and the John Muir Awards scheme.

The Woodland Activity Leader Training programme is a nationally accredited qualification that gives participants the confidence, skills and qualifications to teach environmental education and Bushcraft skills to others. It is also a wonderful opportunity to learn outdoors in a natural environment for the wounded, injured and sick service personnel.

In their first collaboration with the nationwide charity, Wild things! will deliver the six day Woodland Activity Leader Training programme to 10 participants through Help for Heroes.

Tedworth House is one of four Recovery Centres run by Help for Heroes, which aims to inspire the wounded, injured and sick and returning veterans to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives, which will enable them to reach their full potential and to support them and their families for life.

It is a place of opportunities providing education, training, sport and adventure in a relaxed, understanding and caring environment. State of the art facilities and dedicated staff aid the road to recovery.

Tedworth House Centre Manager Giles Woodhouse comments:

“The Woodland Activity Leader Training will be incredibly beneficial for the wounded, injured and sick individuals taking part. This kind of training opens doors to new interests and opportunities that those we support may not have considered before. We are truly excited about the opportunity to work with Wild Things!”

Based in the idyllic conservation village of Findhorn in the North East of Scotland, Wild things! offer a variety of inspiring wilderness and nature experiences for all ages and abilities, regardless of learning, physical and financial challenges.

Charity founder Jennie Martin says,

“We are delighted to be able to offer this exciting course to such an worthwhile organisation as Help for Heroes. Our Woodland Activity Leader Training is jammed packed with information and experiences that leave our participants skilled up, confident and excited to lead adventures in our fantastic UK woodlands.”

Info re. Help for heroes –

Help for Heroes offers comprehensive support to those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses whilst serving our country. This is provided through grants to individuals, other Service charities, capital build projects and our four Recovery Centres across the UK which will offer support for life.

The money raised by the hugely generous public has been used to support our wounded, but there is still so much more to do. Soldiers, sailors and airmen who are injured today will still need our support tomorrow and in the days that follow, for the rest of their lives. They are still battling and we won’t let them battle alone.

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Charity Celebrates Outstanding Contribution Of Volunteer

Aberdeen City, Featured No Responses »

May 302014

Shannon Milne, Volunteer Co-ordinator awarding the Saltire Award ( for 50 and 100 hours volunteering ) and Summit Award recognising outstanding contribution as a volunteer to Francesca Falcone.

With thanks to Kathryn Russell.

An Aberdeen student has been recognised for the time she has contributed to volunteering, as well as receiving a further award recognising her outstanding contribution as a volunteer.

Francesca Falcone has achieved Saltire Awards for 50 and 100 hours of volunteering as a Volunteer Support Worker with local charity RAS (Rape and Abuse Support).

RAS provides support for survivors of rape, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, as well as working within the community to develop awareness of these and surrounding issues.

Ms Falcone started the sixty hours of training with RAS in 2012, completing it in spring 2013 after passing the assessment, and began volunteering with RAS providing telephone support on the helpline, and also working one-to-one with survivors of sexual violence.

Chair of RAS, Kathryn Russell praised the commitment of the Aberdeen student saying:

“We are delighted that Francesca’s commitment to volunteering has been recognised in this way. It is not only a fantastic achievement in terms of the hours she has committed to providing vital support to the users of our service but we are also pleased that Francesca has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to RAS by being awarded the Summit Award, which is peer assessed by a panel of Saltire Ambassadors who decide who merits the Award.”

Volunteer Co-ordinator Shannon Milne added:

“At RAS, we have a strong volunteer program offering a range of opportunities for anyone to join our team of fantastic volunteers. If anyone is interested in volunteering, I would encourage them to get in touch for more information.”

RAS can be contacted for details on volunteering at info@rasane.org.uk.

Ms Falcone has also completed her Social Work degree at RGU, and her dissertation was entitled: ‘Surviving? An exploration of the impact of rape and barriers for survivors in disclosing to professional services‘.

Ms Falcone expects to continue volunteering with people who have experienced sexual violence, as well as developing a career in social work.

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Community Cafe Donates Money To Rape Crisis Charity

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Dec 132013

With thanks to Kathryn Russell.

Rape and Abuse Support (RAS) are delighted to accept a generous donation of £1,000 from the Fine Piece Community Cafe based in Sheddocksley Baptist Church, which marks its 5th Anniversary on Friday 13th December.

The Fine Peace Community Cafe launched almost five years ago and this year won an Aberdeen Impact Award for Best Emerging Social Enterprise.

Supported by 30 volunteers, the Cafe has established a reputation for providing good food and good service.

To mark their 5th Anniversary, the Cafe will make a series of donations to local community groups and schools as recognition of the good work being carried out locally.

Rape and Abuse Support provides support for anyone who has experienced rape, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation at any point in their life, as well as working within the community to develop awareness of the issues surround rape, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.

Lorraine Dobson, Volunteer Co-ordinator at RAS says:

“We are delighted to accept such a generous donation from the Fine Piece Community Cafe.

“It is always uplifting to have the hard work of our staff and volunteers recognised and the donation will allow us to progress with plans to develop the service we provide.”

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Honorary Presidency For Celebrity Singer

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jun 142013

With thanks to Claire McBain.

Aberdeen Lord Provost, George Adam, has officially inaugurated Scottish singer and producer Fiona Kennedy as Honorary President of VSA in recognition of 30 years of incredible enthusiasm, dedication and fundraising.
Fiona’s career has been diverse and includes singing, acting, public speaking and performing at international events, as well as producing the vibrant and hugely successful production The Kist.

Kenneth Simpson, chief executive at VSA, said:

“Fiona has given an enormous amount of support and done a tremendous amount of profile-raising for the charity. We’re so grateful and can’t wait for the next steps.

“Fiona has a long history with us, having been a Trustee, Convenor of the Carers Committee, Vice Chair and Chair of VSA Board. She has shown endless passion and tenacity, working hard for causes close to her heart.

“The team at VSA, past and present, are incredibly grateful for Fiona’s hard work in publicising and supporting campaigns, particularly for older peoples’ services Broomhill Park and Broomhill Activity Centre.”

On accepting the honour Fiona, who began her involvement when asked to accept a cheque on VSA’s behalf and has been an ambassador and an active fundraiser for the charity over the last 30 years, said:

“I’m completely thrilled and delighted to become VSA’s Honorary President.

“I love being part of the VSA family and will continue to do whatever I can to support the organisation. VSA is doing a brilliant job and I’m proud to be part of it.”

“I went to see the range of work VSA is involved with and was just so impressed. The work VSA continues to do is really inspiring.

“I felt this amazing organisation was not blowing its own trumpet enough, so I was very glad roll my sleeves up.

“My main priorities were to raise awareness and fundraise. What’s really impressive is the fact that 96p of every pound raised goes directly to charitable expenditure.”

A particular highlight for Fiona was spearheading and chairing the campaign for the £4million Broomhill Park, that she and her committee helped raise significant funds for, of which she went on to say:

“I’m never afraid to knock on doors to champion causes I believe in and was so delighted to attract supporters like Sir Alex Ferguson to help fundraise for the new Broomhill Park.”

Kenneth Simpson, chief executive at VSA, also presented local businessman James Stevenson with the title of Honorary Vice President at Tuesday’s event.

Making the presentation to James, Kenneth said:

“James too has done so much for VSA during his time as a Trustee, Vice Chair and Chair of the VSA board.

“He has terrific business expertise, which VSA values greatly and has given many years of extremely generous support.”

Major North East Charities Consider A Shared Future

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

May 312013

With thanks to Alan Reid.

Two of Scotland’s leading charities have announced formal discussions to explore joining forces.

VSA, the North East’s long established social care charity and Aberdeen Foyer, which works to prevent and alleviate youth homelessness and unemployment, are looking at proposals to come together later in the year.

In a joint statement, Kenneth Simpson, VSA’s Chief Executive and Ken Milroy, Chief Executive of the Foyer said:

“We are considering bringing our two charities closer together.

“Both VSA and the Foyer have an excellent track record and our plans will further enhance and strengthen the provision of tailored services to meet the needs of local people.”

Diving Herrons Stack Up Charity Cash

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

May 312013

scott-maciver-olympic-torch-bearer-for-vsa-and-bp-feat

With thanks to Claire McBain.

27 May – 2 June is National Family Week, and one Aberdeen family will celebrate some special birthdays with a sponsored sky dive to support causes close to their hearts, NE social care charity VSA’s Friends for Life club and PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity.

The eight-strong group will take the plunge on Wednesday 17 July at Peterlee, County Durham.

Joanne Herron said:

“Our family has had a lot to celebrate recently. So, we decided to come together for something I never thought I’d even consider – jumping out of an aeroplane. At first it sounded crazy, but in the context of doing it to raise money for charities that mean a lot to us, it didn’t seem so unachievable after all.

“My dad, John, has always wanted to do a sky dive. Last year he not only turned 60 but got married to Christina in October. So, with my new step-brother Scott MacIver, an Olympic Torch bearer for VSA and BP, turning 21 and my thirtieth in May, we thought what better way to celebrate than jumping out of a plane? We roped in another four too, making it a proper family outing.

“We’re paying for the jump out of our own pockets so every single penny we raise will go to VSA and PDSA. VSA has been a part of our lives for years now. My dad worked with VSA’s Friends for Life club for 14 years and now Scott, who used to attend the club due to his disabilities, is a volunteer there.

“Our fundraising will make sure others like Scott can have the amazing experience he did. For children with additional support needs, mainstream youth clubs are often not an option due to their condition. But why should they miss out? They still need to socialise, be themselves and have fun.

“Without this club, many children with disabilities in Aberdeen wouldn’t have any friends. Friends for Life makes sure these amazing children and young people can find and keep friends in a safe, happy and fun environment. They love it. It also gives their parents or carers well-deserved and much-needed respite. But, more importantly, lets them see their children happy and playing with friends, just as it should be.”

Elaine Michael, a day care manager for children with special needs and manages the Friends for Life clubs, said:

“I’m delighted that John and his family feel passionate enough about Friends for Life to jump out of a plane on our behalf. We’re so lucky to have some amazing fundraisers behind us at VSA. Without the support and enthusiasm of our local community, we wouldn’t have Friends for Life.”

The Friends for Life clubs will share the funds with PDSA. Christina has worked in the Aberdeen PetAid Hospital for nine years. The charity cares for the pets of people in need by providing free veterinary services for their sick and injured pets.

The group of eight is, John Herron, his wife Christina MacIver and Christina’s son Scott MacIver; John’s daughters Joanne Herron and Lynsey Norrie; his son Craig Herron, Craig’s wife Lisa and John’s niece Jenni Nicolson.

You can sponsor the family at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TheHerronsTakeFlight

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