1425 Mile Drive For Autism Fundraiser In ‘Banger’ Miss Moneypenny

 Aberdeen City, Information  No Responses »
Jul 082013
 

With thanks to Claire McBain.

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Semi-retired and retired Aberdonians David Gillanders and Gordon Hutcheon officially revealed Miss Moneypenny, their ‘banger’ for the Monte Carlo or Bust Rally, a nail-biting cross-country adventure.
Their sponsorship target is £6,000 to make sure children with complex additional support needs, most further challenged by autism, can follow their dreams at north-east social care charity VSA’s Linn Moor Residential School.

To qualify and participate in the rally ‘bangers’ must simply have four wheels and not exceed a value of £250.

Pilot and former British rally champion David said:

“We’ll be in a car capable of doing 50mph and blowing up at any moment.  It’s very different from what I’m used to.  We start on Wednesday 10 July travelling 600 miles from Aberdeen to the Euro Tunnel in a seventeen-year-old Nissan Micra. 

“On Thursday we’ll arrive in Saint Quentin, France where the rally officially begins.  The next day we’ll travel a further 250 miles to Dijon, France.  Another 300 miles will take us through Switzerland to Turin, Italy on Saturday.  And Sunday’s final 165-mile push will take us, hopefully, to the finish in Monte Carlo, Monaco on 14 July.  It coincides with Bastille Day, which means we won’t be the only ones in the party spirit.

“You’re judged on how much you spend in comparison to how good the car looks.  It’s all relative.  With being dealt race number 007, what else could we call her but Miss Moneypenny?  True to her character, we painted her jet black with big red lips on the bonnet.

“Because Gordon is involved with VSA and I like Aberdeen-based charities, particularly involving children, it was a no brainer.  Our primary objective is to raise as much money as possible for Linn Moor but it’s going to be an amazing experience.”

 Co-pilot Gordon who chairs VSA’s ball committee, said:

“If you haven’t been lucky enough to personally experience it, Linn Moor is a very special place.  People with autism have said they see the world as a mass of people, places and events that they struggle to make sense of. 

“But at Linn Moor the committed staff nurture the unique abilities, strengths and talents of young people aged five to 18.  It’s a truly incredible service.  But it depends largely on voluntary income to make its students’ lives as fun, meaningful and educational as possible.  We’re over the moon to be able to help.”

 Wendy Milne, registered care manager at Linn Moor Residential School, said:

“VSA is a huge, varied charity so it’s always touching when people choose to support Linn Moor specifically.  We love to hear about people tackling ambitious personal challenges while fundraising for us so it’s amazing to have David and Gordon on board.  Generous efforts like this are essential to keep giving our students the best care, support and education possible.”

To support VSA’s Linn Moor School through David and Gordon’s adventure please visit:  http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/GordonandDavidMonteCarloChallenge

New Partnership Boosts Torry’s Cultural Regeneration

 Aberdeen City, Information  No Responses »
Jun 282013
 

voluntary-service-aberdeen-ceo-kenneth-simpson
With thanks to Claire McBain.

Voluntary Services Aberdeen (VSA), the NE’s largest charity and the country’s biggest city social care charity, has donate £1000 to Old Torry Community Centre to mark a new partnership between the organisations.

This is in line with VSA’s strategy of empowering and investing in local communities and Old Torry’s quest to raise its cultural and social impact locally.

The donation will contribute to the Centre’s funding appeal to get children’s community workshops and murder mystery-themed plays off the ground.

Lesley-Anne Mulholland, secretary at the Centre, said:

“‘Our dedicated committee will continue regenerating the Old Torry Community Centre, making it a local cultural hotspot focused on education and entertainment. We would like this to be the start of a plethora of cultural events at Old Torry. 

“We recently attracted a Scottish National Theatre production but this project is vital to continue raising our profile and to help encourage other theatre companies, musicians and comedians to follow suit’.”

Fiona-Jane Brown, director of Hidden Aberdeen Tours, is leading the project.

“Our first goal for this project is to have a national theatre company perform in October, supplemented by a drama workshop for young adults and a horror make-up class for children. But we need £1000 to bring the theatre company to Old Torry and £1000 for the workshops, which will be led by local experts.

“We’re delighted for any contributions and we’re incredibly grateful to have an organisation as large and influential as VSA on board. Their support and belief in the project means a huge amount.”

Kenneth Simpson, VSA’s chief executive, agreed:

“We’re passionate about supporting community projects.  We want to work with communities and ask ‘if you want to do something, how can we help you succeed?’  This particular project is an ideal fit with VSA’s remit of supporting vulnerable communities and promoting education for young people. 

“It’s a great opportunity for us too. VSA service users will be able to get involved by attending the workshops and seeing the play. It’s a brilliant, mutually-beneficial partnership.”

Theatre company Don’t Go Into The Cellar’s one-man shows, Holmes Alone and Warnings to the Curious are provisionally scheduled for performance on 11 and 12 October at the Old Torry Community Centre. The initiative is a joint project between Hidden Aberdeen Tours, The Cellar Theatre Company and Old Torry Community Centre.

Major North East Charities Consider A Shared Future

 Aberdeen City, Information  No Responses »
May 312013
 

With thanks to Alan Reid.

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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

Gorgeous Goats To Woo Guests At VSA Spring Fair

 Aberdeen City, News  No Responses »
May 092013
 

monty-goat-sqr
With thanks to Claire McBain.

This weekend, social care charity VSA’s Easter Anguston Farm will host its biggest event to date – a Spring Fair to mark the re-opening of the farm for summer.
Thanks to significant local donations, this event will be complete with new developments including the first public unveiling of a pair of adorable pygmy goats that can be seen on YouTube at http://ow.ly/kz3Nf

For the last six years, the charity has taken over Duthie Park for its family fun day, but this year the Peterculter based farm will incorporate the landmark event with its annual Spring Fair, raising awareness of VSA’s local work in looking after thousands of people, and celebrating those who have supported the charity over the past year.

Fiona Davidson, farm operations manager, said:

“It’s an ideal occasion for people in Aberdeen and the shire to have fun while supporting their local community.   

“Attractions include segway experiences, a bouncy castle, face painting, games, jewellery, craft and gift stalls and refreshments.   VSA services will host stalls too, spreading the word about the good they do. 

“There will singers, dancers and a childrens’ talent show, urging budding singers, dancers and comedians to show their community their hidden abilities.   Of course, the farm’s usual attractions – the coffee shop, education centre, farm shop and garden centre – will be in full swing too.

“The brand new pygmy goats are a story in themselves.  Donated by two local men who wanted to make a difference to the farm in a way other than the usual sponsored run or cycle.   They’ll be joined by mini-donkeys in the next month.   And there are other developments since last year too.   The farm shop has been refitted and we have a revamped education room and new machinery workshop thanks to £50,000 from Aberdeen Airport’s BAA Community Fund.

“But the most important thing about the day is the cause behind it.  Easter Anguston is a peaceful spot where adults with learning difficulties get valuable support and training.   

“For the service users, the farm’s meaningful, vocational work can provide security of long-term employment or a stepping stone to the potentially intimidating mainstream job market.   And, for visitors, the playful, vibrant atmosphere created by the dedicated staff and service users keeps them coming back time and time again.”

VSA’s Spring Fair is being held at Easter Anguston Farm, Peterculter, between 10:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May, 2013.

Entry to the event, which is sponsored by CNR, is free but funds raised on the day will be used directly to support the local community.

For further details about the event e-mail debbie.fotheringham@vsa.org.uk or call her on 01224 358617.

For more information about VSA and other events visit www.vsa.org.uk or www.youtube.com/supportvsa

The Scottish SPCA Needs You

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Apr 122013
 

honey_with_her_new_family
With thanks to Mike Flynn.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing to animal lovers to shake a collection tin at their local Tesco store between Friday the 3rd and Sunday the 5th of May.

Taking part is a fantastic way to help Scotland’s animals, even if you can only spare a few hours.

The fundraising team will provide everything you need to get started, including a Scottish SPCA tabard, a collection tin and stickers to hand out.

The Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said:-

“Last year we cared for a staggering 13,327 animals and 2013 is proving to be just as challenging.

“Honey, an extremely thin and injured lurcher, is just one of many animals we’ve rescued this year. This remarkable and brave girl was extremely frightened and needed urgent veterinary care when she was found.

“We were delighted to find Honey the loving new home she deserved after helping her recover from her terrible ordeal. As an animal welfare charity, we receive no government or lottery funding and rely on the generosity of the public to continue our vital work.

“Even if someone can only spare an hour or two to shake a collection tin, their time and efforts would be hugely appreciated. Every pound and penny raised really does make a difference and gives animals in need of our help a second chance in life.”

Anyone who would like to help can contact our fundraising team on 03000 999 999 or email.

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Carers Support Centre Opens In Aberdeen

 Aberdeen City, News  No Responses »
Mar 282013
 

Forest Grove, which is believed to be the first short break carers’ support centre in Scotland, was officially opened by Lord Provost George Adam on Wednesday morning.

L-R Jenny Ewen (general manager of adult and community services), Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Diane McCabe (director of social care and wellbeing)
With thanks to Claire McBain.

Social care charity VSA’s Forest Grove facility will offer people living with dementia and other debilitating conditions, the opportunity to spend a morning or afternoon in the care of professionally trained staff and volunteers while their carers take a well-earned break.

Forest Grove is a partnership with the Change Fund, which is overseen by Aberdeen City Council, NHS Grampian and VSA and will provide company, conversation, tea, coffee and snacks.

Activities will be geared to the needs of those attending and individual programmes will be developed in accordance with service users’ abilities and wishes. A carers’ support and development worker will provide information, support and advice to carers.

Referrals to Forest Grove can be made via health or social work professionals as well as carers.

Linn Moor, London Marathon, Loadsa-money

 Aberdeen City, News  No Responses »
Mar 192013
 

With thanks to Claire McBain.

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To commemorate Autism Awareness Month, Graham Andrew and Stefanie Milne, will run the 2013 Virgin London Marathon to raise £3000 for Linn Moor School. Their eleven-year-old son Lewis, who has autism, as well as delayed speech and language, ADHD and hyper-sensitivity syndrome, has attended the school for four years.

Graham said,

“I can’t begin to explain what Linn Moor and VSA have done for us. They’ve kept us together as a family. They’ve provided so much respite, not just for Stefanie and me, but also for our daughter Leona who goes to VSA’s Young Carers’ service  She’s not much younger than Lewis and they grew up together, but she’s done a lot that most kids of her age could ever imagine.

“Neither of us are runners.  It was just one of those things that we thought ‘I really fancy doing that one day,’ and decided to go for it now, whilst we still can. The training is hard but knowing I’m doing it to raise much-needed funds for Linn Moor is a tremendous motivation.

“Lewis has come on leaps and bounds since he joined. Before, he wasn’t very forthcoming with information but now he’s able to offer chat and tell us about his day at school.  It’s truly amazing.”

Lewis became a Monday to Friday residential student at Linn Moor a month ago.

Graham explained,

“We resisted residential care for as long as we could but we always knew it might come to it. He’s settled in so well though and has a lovely room. When he’s there he loves it, but we were determined it wouldn’t be full-time. Our family misses him so much during the week and it’s great to see him every weekend.” 

Shona Duff, general manager at VSA’s Linn Moor School, said,

“It’s great to hear about people tackling ambitious personal challenges while fundraising for us at Linn Moor. We’re lucky to have such passionate parents who want to get involved and support the cause.  Generous efforts like this are essential to keep giving our students the best care, support and education possible.”

The couple, who live on Abbotswell Road, Aberdeen, are encouraging people to attend a fundraising ceilidh at The Douglas Hotel on Friday 22 March. There will be two ceilidh bands, a fiddler, with local comedian Peter Wood compering, Tickets cost £15, including stovies.

Golfers Urged To Keep Charity’s Family Centre Running

 Aberdeen City, Sport  No Responses »
Mar 142013
 

With thanks to Claire McBain.

Pro-Am 2012 L-R Gordon Hutcheon, VSA Chair of Trustees Maggie Wilson, Alex McLeish, VSA Chief Executive Kenneth Simpson
N.E. charity VSA, with principal sponsors Brewin Dolphin and Munro’s Travel Group, and Golfers Scotland have launched the 2013 VSA Tartan Pro-Am golf day, encouraging local businesspeople to sign up for a day of golf and entertainment that will keep VSA’s desperately needed Family Contact Centre – the only one of its kind in Aberdeen – running.

The VSA Tartan Pro-Am, part of the PGA Professional Tartan Tour, will take place on Thursday 15 August at Aboyne Golf Course, followed by a prize giving dinner at The Marcliffe.

Anna Garden, general manager of VSA’s Children and Family Services, said:

“Our Family Contact Centre is a volunteer-run facility where children from separated families can spend valuable time with the mum or dad who no longer lives with them.  Just think what that would mean to a child.  And for parents, it means they don’t have to meet, so there’s less chance of hostility in front of the children.  It’s actually a really happy environment to be in.”

Bruce Angus, divisional director for Brewin Dolphin Aberdeen, said:

“The Family Contact Centre is an amazing local facility.  But it depends entirely on voluntary income.  It’s thanks to the success of fundraising events like the Pro-Am, and the enthusiastic, generous local people who attend, that VSA can continue to provide much needed facilities like this in the north-east.”

Murray Burnett, managing partner at Munro’s Travel Group, said:

“The Pro-Am is an opportunity to be part of a fantastic golf day and entertaining evening but more importantly, in supporting the event you are playing your part in helping the VSA bring vital assistance to families across AberdeenCity and Shire.  The charity and the Family Contact Centre in particular provide an invaluable service to the local community and we are delighted that through our participation in the event we are able to help ensure that VSA can continue to carry out its outstanding work.”

Former footballer Alex McLeish attended last year’s event:

“The atmosphere was brilliant and the course was in excellent condition.  The prize giving and fundraising dinner was a great end to a fun-filled day.  The entertainment was second-to-none and a welcome change from your usual after dinner speakers.  I’m already practicing my swing for this year.”

Debbie Fotheringham, events co-ordinator at VSA, said:

“As well as supporting a really important cause close to home, the Pro-Am is a great opportunity for companies to treat clients and staff.  I’ve re-launched the corporate sponsorships this year, with an extended range of cost-effective ways to get involved.  It’s the perfect way to promote your brand to some key north-east businesspeople.”

For more information about VSA’s Tartan Pro-Am, or to book a place at the golf, dinner or both, contact Debbie Fotheringham on 01224 358617 or e-mail debbie.fotheringham@vsa.org.uk

VSA Christmas Toy Appeal Kicks Off

 Aberdeen City, Featured, News  No Responses »
Nov 092012
 

SAMSUNG
With thanks to Claire McBain.

VSA, the UK’s largest city social care charity, supporting more than 2,500 people in Aberdeen each year, has launched it’s festive campaign to ensure as many local children as possible have a present to open on 25 December at its Christmas Inspirations shopping evening, sponsored by Prestige Scotland.

Campaign co-ordinator Debbie Fotheringham said:

“Not every child is lucky enough to have a gift of their own on Christmas morning. For some, the harsh reality is that their families can’t stretch to provide presents for them and their siblings, leading them to the wrong conclusion that they’ve been naughty this year. We want to replace these situations with classic Christmas spirit.”

Like last year’s inaugural event, Christmas Inspirations took place at Pittodrie Stadium’s Richard Donald Stand. Shoppers were welcomed with cocktails and canapés courtesy of Prestige Scotland, festive tunes and a fantastic selection of food, art and gift-themed stalls. 

The appeal will continue at drop-off points across the city until the week before Christmas.

Debbie continued:

“We’d really appreciate if gifts were brand new and not wrapped. Gift vouchers are great too for the older children.

“We had an amazing response to our appeal last year, helped by individuals and companies gathering gifts, as well as local businesses that acted as drop-off points. We were able to supply each child that’s part of VSA with a couple of treats from Santa and had plenty goodies left to share with others in the city and shire. I’m looking forward to topping last year’s results over Christmas 2012.”

VSA will be collecting toys at its Christmas Inspirations evening and at the drop-off points listed below:

• VSA, 38 Castle Street, Aberdeen AB11 5YU

• VSA’s Northfield Lodge, Provost Fraser Drive, Aberdeen AB16 7JY

• Citrus:Mix, Bon Accord House, Riverside Drive, Aberdeen AB11 7SL

• Original FM, Original House, Craigshaw Road, Aberdeen AB12 3AR

Additional drop-off points will be announced on the VSA website (www.vsa.org.uk), where a list of suggestions of age-specific toys is also available for inspiration.

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