The OneCity Trust will receive a Burns Night boost when the Lord Provost holds a fundraising supper on Thursday 26 January. The traditional Scottish dinner will be held at Prestonfield House by the Trust’s President Lord Provost Donald Wilson, who aims to raise at least £20,000 to support projects tackling inequality and social exclusion in Edinburgh.
Guests will be entertained by actor and TV presenter Christopher Biggins, comedian Susan Morrison, former professional footballer Jim Leishman MBE and 18-year-old singing sensation Caitlyn Vanbeck (pictured), who recently rose to fame on the X Factor. She joined the Lord Provost yesterday to launch the Supper and back his fundraising appeal.
The OneCity Trust supports a wide variety of organisations across the city which tackle inequality and exclusion. This year it is funding over £92,000 towards projects including the Community Renewal Trust, Drum Riding for the Disabled, North West Carers Centre, Feniks conversation cafes and the Edinburgh RSL Residents Network.
The Lord Provost, Donald Wilson, said: “The OneCity Trust is a charity close to my heart. Scotland’s great Capital has much to be proud of, but there are many people who do not have access to the privileges living in Edinburgh brings. It is my mission to tackle all forms of social exclusion in the city and to bring about a true sense that we all belong in ‘One City’.
“This winter, my Burns Supper will support the Trust and the Rapid Action Fund to fight exclusion, be it homelessness, prejudice or poverty. Modest sums of money can bring huge changes. As the charity’s President, I want to shine a light on the small but important projects taking place in our communities. If £2,000 can provide the Community Renewal Trust to provide unemployed people in Edinburgh with support and clothes for job interviews, just think what the cost of a table at this fundraiser can achieve?
“It is fantastic to see so many Edinburgh-based businesses sign up and already, 22 tables have been filled. I am grateful to Caitlyn, Susan, Christopher, Jim and all of these organisations for pledging their support – together we can support citizens across the city.”
Caitlyn Vanbeck, who is studying at the University of Edinburgh, added: “There is nothing quite like the support of your hometown. I was overwhelmed by the messages I received from fellow Scots during my time on the X Factor and I want to give something back by singing for the Burns Supper. I hope the Lord Provost’s event not only raises money, but awareness for the Trust and the need to support community projects.”
Tickets to the OneCity Burns Supper are priced at £100 per person and £1,000 for a table of 10 (eh?)
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