Young Volunteer Fundraises Without Asking For Cash

 Aberdeen City, Charity, Featured  No Responses »
Jan 102021
 

With thanks to David Forbes.

Saltire Awards Achiever Volunteer, Lucas Mackenzie, 13, from Tillydrone, Aberdeen is fundraising for Local voluntary led charity Future Choices, but isn’t asking for your donations directly.

He’s launched an online shopping fundraising effort which enables members of the public to help Future Choices’ users by simply shopping as they normally would after registering with shopping websites Easyfundraising and Amazon Smile. 

Once registered,  members simply do their normal shopping and a small percentage is then donated to the charity by the retailer – not the customer.

Lucas stated:

“To be fundraising in this way is really good as it actually raises money without the buyer giving any extra. So it’s a win-win all round.”

So far Lucas has raised around £26. He has produced an information film which can be watched on the following link; https://youtu.be/DmIHu_vf0ZM

David Forbes, chairman of Future Choices and Lucas’s mentor added:

“To have Lucas leading this unique fundraiser is these most challenging times shows real determination to still help and support the most vulnerable.”

There is a Facebook page so that the public can keep up to date with the ongoing project.
https://www.facebook.com/ShoppingFundraiser/

Cancer Support Charity Appeals For Old £1 coins

 Aberdeen City, Information  No Responses »
Oct 132017
 

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Jasmine Ltd.

With just a few days to go before the round one pound coin ceases to be legal tender, a leading north-east cancer charity is urging people to donate their old coins.
CLAN Cancer Support is encouraging people to clear out their piggy banks and hunt down the back of sofas and support the charity in the process by donating their old coins.

The new 12 sided £1 coin was brought into circulation in March 2017 and has security features to combat counterfeiting.

From October 15 the existing coins will no longer be legal tender but can be given to charity or handed into banks or Post Offices.

Fiona Fernie, Head of Income Generation and Business Development at CLAN Cancer Support, believes donations received from £1 coins stored in people’s piggy banks and car gloveboxes could help make a real difference in the coming months.

She said:

“The Government estimates that £1.3bn worth of coins are stored in savings jars across the country, about a third of which are £1 coins. If just a fraction of that total was donated to charitable organisations it could make a huge difference.

“We are encouraging people to have a look in all their old purses and wallets and down the back of sofas and donate what they find to CLAN. Each £1 we receive will help to support people affected by cancer in communities across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

“By donating just £25 you can help to fund breakfast for one day for everyone staying in CLAN Haven, our bed and breakfast facility which provides accommodation for people travelling to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for cancer related treatment.

“Every single donation we receive helps us to continue to provide valuable wellbeing and support services for people affected by cancer.”

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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CLAN Appoints New Head Of Income Generation

 Aberdeen City, News  No Responses »
Oct 062017
 

 With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Jasmine Ltd.

A leading north-east cancer support charity has appointed a new senior manager to shape the future of its income generation strategy.

CLAN Cancer Support has recruited Fiona Fernie as the charity’s new head of income generation and business development.

Fiona was previously membership network manager at Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce where she was responsible for the recruitment of new members and for the management and development of the chamber’s third sector activity.

This included managing 270 membership accounts across four sectors, with 65 in the third sector.

Fiona also played a lead role around business engagement for large, regional projects such as the Aberdeen’s City of Culture bid, the Wild Dolphins project and the Great Aberdeen Run. 

In her new position, Fiona will spearhead income generation for CLAN, developing fundraising activities throughout the CLAN in the community network, and be a key member of the senior management team.

Fiona said:

“It’s an exciting time to join the third sector as its contribution to the economy becomes increasingly recognised at local and national level. I am very passionate about charities developing as businesses which can lead to greater sustainability and stronger futures.

“CLAN has already come so far in its lifetime and I believe that it has so much more scope to develop and grow. I feel strongly about the work that CLAN does to support so many in the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland and can’t wait to play my part in the charity’s future success.”

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN, said: “Fiona’s experience gathered throughout her career is a fantastic fit for CLAN and I am delighted to welcome her to the team.

“How organisations approach fundraising activity is crucial, especially in the current economic climate. Fiona will lead the way on our fundraising and business development activities which are crucial to the provision of cancer support services across the region. During 2017, CLAN’s presence in local communities has continued to develop which has seen us open a new centre in Inverurie and plans are already in motion for further development our community network during 2018.

“The dedication of our team ensures we can continue to develop our services and help anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis and I look forward to working closely with Fiona to build on CLAN’s achievements.”

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Golfers Raise Thousands For CLAN Cancer Support

 Aberdeenshire, News  No Responses »
Oct 062017
 

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Jasmine Ltd.

North-east golfers have raised thousands of pounds for a leading cancer support charity at one of the area’s most prestigious courses.

CLAN Cancer Support hosted its annual golf day at Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Club in Oldmeldrum on Thursday, September
28.

The popular event, which was sponsored by CNR International (UK) Ltd, saw 12 teams of four compete for the winner’s trophy – raising more than £8,500 for the charity along the way.

A team from The Dunavon Hotel won the competition and prizes were also awarded for nearest the pin and longest drive during the rounds. There was also a raffle and an auction once all the teams had returned to the clubhouse which helped raise funds towards the total.

Steph Dowling, CLAN’s fundraising team manager, said:

“The CLAN Golf Day has been a great success which has raised a fantastic total for the charity.

“Congratulations to the winning team from The Dunavon Hotel and thank you to everyone who supported the event to help CLAN continue to provide support services, free of charge, to anyone who needs them.

“The team at Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Club did an excellent job throughout the day and looked after everyone taking part which really helped add to the spirit of the occasion.”

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, Buckie, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Family Support Charity Urges Volunteers To Get On Course

 Aberdeen City, Articles  No Responses »
Aug 252017
 

With thanks to Clare Scott, Communications Consultant, CJS Communication & Marketing.

An Aberdeen-based family support charity has issued an urgent plea for new volunteers to help it achieve its target of recruiting 30 new volunteers within 30 weeks during its 30th anniversary year.

Home-Start Aberdeen has been supporting families who are vulnerable, or who may be at risk of isolation, for the past three decades.

This support is largely provided by volunteers, who are trained by the charity and matched with a family whom they visit on a weekly basis.

Home-Start Aberdeen now plans to run a further two volunteer induction courses in August before hitting its 30-week deadline in September.

The charity launched the 30 in 30 volunteer recruitment campaign in February this year in a bid to reduce its waiting list of families who are in need of support.

Georgette Cobban (pictured), scheme manager, Home-Start Aberdeen said:

“No formal qualifications are required to become a Home-Start Aberdeen volunteer, however we are looking for people who have a keen interest in the wellbeing of families or who have parenting experience themselves.

“Families who are referred to us may be struggling with a variety of issues such as post-natal depression, isolation, physical health problems or bereavement. We prepare our volunteers – and carefully match them with a family – so that their own life skills and experience can be of benefit to others.

“In addition to the initial preparation course, our volunteers receive ongoing support from their Home-Start Aberdeen co-ordinator, plus regular opportunities for further skills development. All we ask for in return is a commitment of 2-3 hours a week to provide a city-based family with emotional and practical support in their home surroundings.

“Although we are bigger than ever before – with around 100 volunteers – the need for our service continues to grow, as do our waiting lists. I would urge anyone who thinks they might be able to help to get in touch for a no-pressure chat.”

Over the past three decades Home-Start Aberdeen has grown to become one of the UK’s largest Home-Start schemes, providing over 220 families and 360 children with around 27,500 hours of support each year. Families are referred to the charity mainly by health visitors and social workers, however they can also self-refer. The support provided is completely free: families must have an address in the city and one child under five years old, otherwise there are no barriers to access.

Home-Start Aberdeen’s next volunteer induction courses commence on Wednesday, 30 August. Each course incorporates eight weekly sessions, with daytime and evening options to suit different schedules.

For further details, or to arrange an informal chat, email volunteering@homestartaberdeen.org.uk or call 01224 693545. Additional information is also available at www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk.

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Get In The Swing For CLAN Golf Day

 Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Charity  No Responses »
Aug 202017
 

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

North-east golfers have been urged to sign up for a fundraising event at one of the area’s most renowned courses for a leading cancer support charity.

CLAN Cancer Support will host its annual golf day at Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Club in Oldmeldrum on Thursday, September 28.

The popular event, which is sponsored by CNR International (UK) Ltd, will run from 11.30am to 8pm where 18 teams of four will compete for the winner’s trophy.

Guests will have complimentary access to the club’s driving range facilities from 10am and receive a light lunch in the hotel before the shotgun start tournament begins. There will also be half way house refreshments followed by a BBQ.

Prizes will be awarded for nearest the pin, longest drive and of course, the winning team. There will also be a raffle and an auction with some fantastic prizes to be won.     

Teams cost £600 each, or individual places can be booked for £150. There is also the opportunity to sponsor a hole, which allows a company to provide and display a pop up banner and pin flag at the hole. A £50 discount is available for team registrations which include a hole sponsorship.

Steph Dowling, CLAN’s fundraising team manager, said:

“We look forward to hosting the CLAN Golf Day at Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Club next month, it promises to be a fantastic event.

“The day is more than just a golf outing, with various prizes, raffle and an auction adding to the event. Teams are limited for the day and we’d encourage anyone who is interested in taking part to get in touch to book their place and help to raise money for charity.

“It’s a perfect day out for any business which might be looking for an away day and it may also be of interest to those who are looking to do something fun with a group of friends.”

For more information or to register your team, please contact Steph Dowling, CLAN’s Fundraising Team Manager, on (01224) 651026, or email: steph.dowling@clanhouse.org

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

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

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

Crystal Ball To Raise Funds For CLAN

 Aberdeen City, Featured  No Responses »
Jul 252017
 

Well known television presenter, broadcaster and radio DJ, Grant Stott.

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

CLAN Cancer Support has introduced a new glittering fundraising event to the north-east calendar. The 2017 CLAN Crystal Ball will have a sparkling crystal theme and will be hosted by well-known television and radio host Grant Stott, who recently joined BBC Radio Scotland.

Taking the place of the CLAN Christmas Cracker, the charity is urging businesses, supporters and locals to get behind the upcoming event, which will be held on Saturday, October 28 at Ardoe House Hotel and Spa.

The CLAN Crystal Ball promises to be an evening not to be missed and will include a drinks reception, followed by a three-course dinner, entertainment and dancing to pop and soul band ‘Burlesque’.

Dr Colette Backwell, CLAN chief executive, said:

“The Crystal Ball promises to be something very special and will, I’m sure become a firm favourite with CLAN supporters.

“Our CLAN Ball’s give guests the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic night of entertainment whilst also playing a very important role in raising awareness of CLAN’s crucial cancer support services, and also contributing to the donations which allow us to continue to develop these services in the heart of communities, from Stonehaven in the south to Orkney and Shetland in the north.

“We are committed to providing this support in local areas and continuing to make a difference to as many people as possible who are affected by a cancer diagnosis. We hope that we can rely on the generosity of people and businesses across the region at the CLAN Crystal Ball and I look forward to welcoming Grant Stott and our guests on the night.”

Tables of 10 are available for £1,000 with individual tickets costing £100 each. Various sponsorship opportunities are also available for both businesses and individuals looking to support the event.

For more information, please contact Steph Dowling by calling 01224 651026 or email steph.dowling@clanhouse.org

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

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

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

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Threat To New Highlands Beaver Family

 Articles  No Responses »
Jul 142017
 

European beaver (Castor fiber) swimming at dawn, Knapdale Forest, Argyll, Scotland.

With thanks to Chris Aldridge.

A family of beavers found living on a river in the Beauly area in the Scottish Highlands are to be trapped and put into captivity following a decision by Scottish Government Ministers.
Trees for Life, the charity which discovered the group, says the family should either stay where they are or be relocated locally.

Film from camera traps set by the conservation experts from the charity in mid-June clearly show the presence of a mother and at least two young kits swimming and playing with their mum.

Trees for Life shared news of the discovery with Scottish Natural Heritage and made a case to Scottish Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham that the family be allowed to stay.

Alan McDonnell, Conservation Projects Manager at Trees for Life said:

“It is disappointing that government is already starting the process of trapping this family without considering other options. Whilst we understand that the Minister wants to address the concerns of landowners in Tayside, the situation here is very different and we think it is possible to consult and negotiate with landowners in the immediate vicinity of the family and upstream to find an alternative outcome for the animals.”

Beavers have sparked controversy and concern from landowners in parts of Tayside where there is intensive arable farming. In contrast, much of the land neighbouring the newly confirmed beaver home in the Highlands is used for livestock farming.

Alan McDonnell said:

“We think these beavers have been active at this site for at least five years without any local concerns being raised. Which just goes to show that in the right location, beavers and other land use interests can co-exist successfully.”

Richard Hartland, local resident added:

“Many people in the local community have no idea the beavers are there and they’re having very little impact on their surroundings. Why can’t they be left alone?”

Shortly after finding the family, Trees for Life wrote to the Scottish Environment Minister to ask that they be left where they are, or failing that, moved upstream into Glen Affric, above the Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin hydro dam on the basis that they would have minimal impact on land use.

(Beaver photo image. Copyright – Peter Cairns, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.)

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Rotary Clubs Launch Annual Mini Raffle Fundraiser

 Aberdeen City, Information  No Responses »
Jul 142017
 

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

Rotary Clubs around Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have launched a popular annual car raffle which will see one lucky winner drive away with a Mini in the New Year.

Run by 22 Rotary Clubs, the raffle will again raise funds for leading north-east cancer charity CLAN Cancer Support.

More than £54,000 was raised by the raffle in 2016, with the net funds raised shared between CLAN Cancer Support, which receives the majority of the funds, and the Rotary Clubs who in turn use their share to help other charities in the area.

Alan Pirie, of the Aberdeen and North East Rotary Clubs, said:

“We are delighted to partner with CLAN Cancer Support again for this year’s raffle, continuing the strong partnership we have with the charity.

“Our members will be selling raffle tickets at events across the north-east throughout the year and it is so rewarding to be involved in this fundraising campaign which supports a very important cause.”

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN, said:

“The Mini raffle is a very important part of our annual fundraising campaign and is always very well supported throughout communities across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, which we are hugely grateful for.

“The Rotary Clubs around Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are such an incredible support each year, their dedication and kindness really does make all the difference.

“The raffle draw is made at the Bon Accord Centre on Christmas Eve each year and it’s fantastic to be able to deliver the news to the winner as an extra festive surprise.

“Anyone interested in buying tickets for the raffle can pop into any CLAN Centre or charity shop, or contact fundraising@clanhouse.org.”

This year’s Mini has been part-sponsored by Kore Solutions, Intellicore, Empire HR and Eyecandy Graphics.

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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SuperCLAN Event Returns For The Seventh Year

 Articles  No Responses »
Jul 062017
 

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

A popular event which sees some of the most prestigious supercars flock to the north-east to raise funds for a leading cancer charity is set to return.

SuperCLAN, which first took place in 2011, returns to the north-east on Sat, July 8 and is set to be the biggest yet, with all proceeds going to CLAN Cancer Support.

Organiser and Founder Ross Gatt will welcome more than 40 vehicles to the exclusive event with an array of prestigious cars already secured including a Lamborghini Huracan and McLaren 650s.

Attracting car enthusiasts from across Scotland, supercar owners are invited to take part in the drive which will set off from Aberdeen, before touring the north-east and finishing at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Pitfodels, in the afternoon.

The cars will then be on display at the Marcliffe from 3.30pm until 4.30pm, with members of the public welcome to come along, make donations and view the very special collection.

Mr Gatt is proud to again be supporting CLAN Cancer Support through the SuperCLAN event.

He said:

“Upon creating SuperCLAN, we really had no idea how popular this event would become. Consecutively returning for its seventh event, we now attract prestigious vehicle owners from across Scotland who relish the chance to take part in this drive while helping to raise vital funds for such a worthwhile charity.

“During the past seven years of the event, we have raised in excess of £50,000 for CLAN and with this year looking bigger and better than ever, we are considerably adding to that running total.

“The support we receive from those taking part and local business sponsors is fantastic. This year I am delighted to welcome Aston Martin as the events headline sponsor, with Aberdein Considine, Cavitas Energy, Jamieson & Carry, Baird’s Pharmacy, Poor Boys World and Asset Integrity Group as proud sponsors of the event.”

Steph Dowling, CLAN Cancer Support Senior Fundraising Coordinator, said:

“We are delighted to again be the chosen charity for the SuperCLAN event. It’s fantastic to see how much the event has grown over the years and it really is an amazing sight to see so many high calibre supercars in one place.

“The organisers are already forecasting a bumper event this year and we look forward to joining members of the public to welcome the cars home to the Marcliffe Hotel at 3:30pm.”

For more information about SuperCLAN, please visit www.superclan.co.uk or join the event’s Facebook page.

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN please contact (01224) 647000, or email enquiries@clanhouse.org

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