Before the festive celebrations, the Tesco stores across Edinburgh called on shoppers to support a collection of toys so that families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift wouldn’t miss out on the big day.
People across the community responded enthusiastically to the campaign, with 1,610 of brand-new toys being gifted to Cash For Kids and Ferry Elves – bringing a smile to many children’s faces on Christmas Day.
Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “We really can’t thank our customers enough for their kind contributions to this great cause.
“Throughout the year our stores give support to children and their community, and without fail local people support us in our efforts.
“So once again we are grateful to the people of Edinburgh for showing that the magic of Christmas is very much alive and well.
“They have made a great many children so happy at a time of year that can be difficult for some families, so thank you so much again for your support.”
The Toy Donation campaign ran in stores across the UK in December, with more than 125,000 items being given.
In addition to the toy collection, Tesco donated £25,000 to the Salvation Army to support its ongoing efforts in providing essential services and support to vulnerable families during the festive season.
Edinburgh-based renewable energy company donates £20,000 and time to local charity as applications for help reach record numbers
Red Rock Renewables and its Edinburgh-based team are proud to support Cash for Kids’ ‘Mission Christmas’ campaign for a second year running.
In addition to a £20,000 donation to the cause – funding enough gifts for around 800 children across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife & Falkirk – a group of employees also collected a huge haul of gifts and spent the day volunteering at the charity’s Mission Headquarters.
In the City of Edinburgh alone, 17,907 children are living in poverty (20.4 per cent of local children) – almost enough to fill Tynecastle football stadium.
Cash for Kids works to tackle child poverty all year round and is currently holding its annual Mission Christmas campaign to provide presents for local children who have been identified as being at risk of not receiving any gifts to open on Christmas morning.
This year, a record 23,368 local children have been applied for with just 2 days to go to ensure that every one of these applications is fulfilled.
Red Rock Renewables CEO, Xiaomeng Chen, said: “Christmas should be a joyful time for children, and it saddens us to think of those who may not have presents to open or something to look forward to.
“Our Edinburgh team is proud to support Mission Christmas again this year and help the dedicated Cash for Kids team spread joy this festive season.”
Charity Manager, Victoria Hendry added: “We cannot thank Red Rock Renewables enough for such a generous donation to our Mission Christmas campaign.£20,000 will allow us to ensure we have enough gifts to support hundreds of local children who would otherwise wake up to nothing at all for Christmas.
“Families are struggling for all sorts of reasons, whether they are living in poverty, homeless or fleeing domestic abuse and Christmas can increase the pressure they’re already feeling.
“By supporting Mission Christmas you are giving these children and their families more than just a gift, you are giving them special memories that will last a lifetime. They will know they are loved and cared for and that they haven’t been forgotten. Christmas will be a day that they receive a present and share the joy like everyone else.”
For more information on Mission Christmas and how you can support the campaign, visit www.forth1.com/mission
A £3,000 grant provided by Cash for Kids to Edinburgh School Uniform Bank marks a significant contribution towards supporting families in need within the city.
This generous donation will make a considerable difference by easing the financial burden on families when it comes to purchasing school uniforms for their children.
School uniforms are an essential part of educational life, promoting a sense of belonging and equality among students. However, the cost can be a barrier for many families, especially those experiencing financial hardships.
ESUB plays a crucial role in this context, ensuring that all children have access to the necessary attire without the stigma of financial strain. This grant from Cash for Kids not only highlights the importance of community support but also reinforces the idea that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic background.
Three vital causes supporting families and individuals in Edinburgh and the Lothians have been named the first recipients of this year’s Barratt Developments Community Fund.
Barratt Developments, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, currently donates £1,500 per month to local charities in its divisions as part of the homebuilder’s pledge to improve the quality of life of those living in the areas in which it operates.
The homebuilder kicked off 2024 by donating £3,000 to its new East of Scotland main charity partner, Cash for Kids.
The charity aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people living locally who are affected by poverty, illness, neglect or have additional needs. The cause also works with grassroots organisations that aim to make a difference to young lives, directly supporting families who often have nowhere else to go.
Cash for Kids replaces St Columba’s Hospice Care as the East Scotland division’s main charity partner, having raised a whopping £247,909 in the last two years through fundraising, including a Pentland Hills walk, charity dinners and office events.
Victoria Hendry, Charity Manager at Cash for Kids, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to receive the Barratt Community Fund for this first quarter of the year. This £3,000 will make such a difference in our local community, specifically to families really struggling with the cost of living.
“We are receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of requests for support with real basics such as food, toiletries and nappies, so these funds will go a long way in supporting us with helping these families who are living on our doorstep.
“To also be chosen as Barratt East Scotland’s new main charity partner was really just the cherry on top. I was delighted to get the phone call and we are excited to build some brilliant fundraising plans across the next two years and help even more local children.”
In February, a further £1,500 was given to Capital Carers, which supports carers in the North West of Edinburgh.
The organisation’s highly trained staff provide one-to-one support as well as a range of services which enable individuals to support the person they care for and assist them in carrying out their caring responsibilities, while ensuring that they also look after themselves.
Lauren Alexander, Young Carers Support Worker at Capital Carers,said: “A huge thanks to Barratt for this generous donation, it will enable us to provide respite trips for young carers and young adult carers which we would otherwise not have been able to do.
“All of our carers love interaction with animals, and this therapeutic approach can really benefit those with challenging situations. Horses are a big favourite, but it is an expensive activity. The money will allow us to take several groups horse riding, alpaca trekking, a trip to the zoo and going out to eat.
“The funding has already allowed us to take young carers on active respite trips, to Laser Tag, swimming and escape rooms, and meals out where all carers can relax together, make new friends, reconnect with old ones and have that important peer support.”
The charity, which is supported by The Trussell Trust, provides three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people in need in the Midlothian area.
Ian Purves, from Midlothian Foodbank, said: “Thank you to Barratt for their generous donation to Midlothian Foodbank.
“The donation will help people in our area struggling with the cost of living and support them with emergency food parcels, food vouchers for families in school holidays, or a hot meal at one of our two weekly lunches.
“They also have access to an advisor from Citizens Advice who is present during one of our lunches. All this helps to reach our aim of ensuring that no one in Midlothian goes to bed hungry.”
Alison Condie, Managing Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said:“We’re proud to be supporting causes which are carrying out such essential work in communities throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.
“From foodbanks through to care, cost of living has placed a significant strain on the services that charities can provide. We hope that our donations can help to alleviate some of this pressure and allow causes to continue supporting families and individuals in the communities in which we build.”
For more information on Barratt Developments in the East of Scotland, visit:
Children and families across Edinburgh and the wider Forth region are benefiting from Thorntons’ latest charity wills campaign, which raised £43,500 for Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids.
Every September Thorntons’ offices in Edinburgh, Bonnyrigg, Fife, Dundee, Perth and Angus waive their fees for those making wills, asking them to instead donate an equivalent sum to the charity.
The campaign has raised over £600,000 for Cash for Kids since it was established more than 27 years ago.
The firm’s latest fundraising drive helped a diverse range of groups and individuals. Among the recipients was Capital Theatres which received funding to offer
relaxed pantomime performances suitable for those with autism spectrum disorder, sensory and communication disorders or a learning disability.
Up to 900 youngsters from 12 special education schools were able to attend the special pantomime sessions which featured an adapted production and auditorium conditions, allowing children and carers to feel relaxed and free to make noise. The funding also enabled the groups to benefit from free transport and snacks for the children.
Emma Kemp, Regional Charity Manager at Cash for Kids, said: “I can’t begin to thank Thorntons, their employees and clients enough for their ongoing support to our charity.
“Every year this incredible donation makes a huge difference to Cash for Kids, supporting us to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in our local communities. This donation will enable us to continue supporting children and young people who are suffering from life limiting illness, poverty, neglect, and those who require additional support to reach their individual potential.
“The kindness and generosity Thorntons have given to us over the years has reached the lives of so many deserving children and on behalf of them all I want to say thank you.”
Murray Etherington, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts and Succession planning at Thorntons, said: “Contributing to the communities where we live and work is very important to everyone at Thorntons.
“Cash for Kids provides a helping hand to those who need it most and it’s an honour to support its very important work.”
For more information on Thorntons’ Charity Wills campaign visit:
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is announcing a collaboration with grant-giving charity, Cash for Kids, to give children in need a gift this Christmas. Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and Stockbridge little dobbies will host a gift donation drop-off point for the charity’s Mission Christmas initiative.
Mission Christmas is set to make a difference to children and young people in communities across the UK who are affected by poverty, illness, neglect or have additional needs. This initiative aims to spread the joy that comes with unwrapping a Christmas present on Christmas Day.
Dobbies now invites customers along to its drop-off point at its Edinburgh stores, encouraging those who can, to bring a gift and help Santa reach young people in need this year.
Dobbies’ Community & CSR Communications Executive, Chloe Bell, said: “There’s nothing like the joy of unwrapping a Christmas present on Christmas Day, especially for a child. It’s disheartening to think that, due to circumstances beyond their control, some children might miss out on this magical experience.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Cash for Kids to make Christmas extra special for these young people. We hope that the spirit of Christmas, centred around sharing and giving, inspires everyone to donate a present or two at our Edinburgh stores.”
Victoria Hendry, Charity Manager from Cash for Kids added: “We believe every child deserves the magic of Christmas and teaming up with Dobbies allows us to spread joy this year, making a real difference to children and young adults.
“We’re turning generosity into gifts, creating smiles, and ensuring that every child feels the warmth of the festivities.”
Participating stores that have a donation box are; Aberdeen, Ayr, Edinburgh, Dundee, Dunfermline, Livingston, Perth, Stirling, Inverness and little dobbies Stockbridge. For more information on how to get involved, visit dobbies.com.
If you would like to make a financial donation to Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas to allow them to buy a gift on your behalf, Braehead, Milngavie and Sandyholm have donation pages, visit:
Leading Scottish law firm Thorntons has launched its latest charity wills fundraising drive in support of Cash for Kids, with the aim of making a difference to young lives and supporting families who often have nowhere else to go.
Taking place across its offices in Edinburgh, Fife, Dundee, Perth and, Angus, Thorntons waives its usual fee for creating wills throughout the month of September, asking clients to instead make an equivalent donation to the charity.
Thorntons has raised more than £600,000 for Cash for Kids since it launched the initiative 27 years ago, with its 2022 campaign delivering £37,500 for local groups and individuals.
Two young boys were among the recipients with one nine-year-old being gifted a Trekinetic GTE powered wheelchair offering independence and a new quality of life as it allows him to take his dog to the beach while another young boy with Neurofibromatosis type 1 and autism is now the proud owner of a mega sonic bed for safe sleeping.
Emma Kemp, Regional Charity Manager at Cash for Kids said: “We can’t begin to thank everyone at Thorntons and their clients enough for their continued support. Their charity wills campaign is a huge fundraising initiative for us at Cash for Kids and without it we would not be able to help as many local children in need of our support as we do.
“Having a will in place is so very important, so if you need to make a will, have it updated or make changes now is the time to do it. Make your will this September with Thorntons and help your local children at the same time.”
Murray Etherington, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts and Succession planning at Thorntons said: “As the cost of living crisis continues, the work that Cash for Kids does to provide families with basic essentials such as food, toiletries and clothing, has never been more important and we’re proud to support this fantastic charity once again this year.
“By making a will with us in September, you’ll not only be looking after the future of your family but also helping to support some of the most vulnerable families and children in your local area.
“Some people fail to make a will because they think they don’t need one. Others put off the process because they associate it with end-of-life, but if you have savings, property or a business, making a will is key to ensuring your dependents and family are protected in the future.
“All appointments are being held virtually so you can make your will from the comfort of your own home. With a set number of appointments available during September, we advise you to book early to ensure you don’t miss out.”
Anyone wishing to make a new will or update an existing will during Thorntons’ charity wills month this September, can find out more online at:
Leading Scottish law firm, Thorntons’ annual charity wills campaign has raised £37,500 for Cash for Kids, helping to support vulnerable families and children across Falkirk, Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Every year Thorntons’ offices in Edinburgh, Fife, Dundee, Perth and Angus, don’t charge a fee for Wills written throughout the month of September. Instead, the firm asks clients to make an equivalent donation to Cash for Kids.
The fundraising campaign has raised more than £600,000 for Cash for Kinds since it was established more than 26 years ago.
Among the beneficiaries of the most recent fundraising drive is a local project run by Sight Scotland, which is one of Scotland’s oldest charities. The funding enabled the purchase of a mobile Soundbeam for the Lothian region. A Soundbeam produces noise through movement meaning children with profound physical or learning disabilities can communicate and be expressive with sound and music.
Falkirk-based group, Supporting Young Parents also received funding. The project aims to identify the needs of young parents, help build confidence and improve their overall health and wellbeing while offering development and socialising opportunities for babies and toddlers. This latest funding has been used for catering and sensory learning activities.
Murray Etherington, Head of Wills, Trusts and Succession planning at Thorntons, said: “We are truly humbled by the work Cash for Kids carries out in helping countless organisations within our local communities.
“It’s a privilege to once again support its achievements through our charity wills campaign and we’d like to thank all of our clients who kindly contributed this year.”
Emma Kemp, Cash for Kids Regional Charity Manager, said: “We are delighted to yet again have partnered with Thorntons on their Charity Wills Month in 2022. To say this campaign has been a success over the years would be an understatement.
“Through Thorntons’ commitment and hard work this campaign continues to support local children in need. We really are so thankful for this wonderful campaign, and we cannot thank Thorntons staff and their clients enough for getting behind it.”
Headquartered in Dundee, the firm now has 13 offices ranging from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Montrose to St Andrews, Arbroath and Perth.
Watermans is backing a fund-raising campaign to help disadvantaged children across Edinburgh, The Lothians, and Fife.
Cash for Kids, the well-established Radio Forth initiative, will receive a £50 boost for every will or power of attorney written up by the modern law firm from October 3 until December 23.
Cash for Kids is a grant-giving charity supporting and assisting disadvantaged children and vulnerable young people across Scotland and the UK. Its mission is to improve the lives of those affected by poverty, illness, or neglect, helping them to experience a more positive childhood.
Scott Whyte, managing director at Watermans, with offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow, said: “We are currently in a period where many in our local communities are experiencing unprecedented hardship as the cost-of-living crisis takes its toll.
“Sadly, that so often has the most severe consequences for those most vulnerable – our children. Thankfully, the amazing work of Cash for Kids will provide some much-needed help and happiness to many of our local children.
“Through this initiative, the team at Watermans will be directly supporting this outstanding work and we hope to provide as much support as we can to this cause. This also gives our clients the opportunity to take care of an essential piece of legal ‘housekeeping’ while supporting Cash for Kids’ work in improving the lives of our local young people.”
Having a will – or keeping your current one up to date – is important. Anyone who owns property, has savings, children, or other dependents should have one.
Planning for the future and for what may happen in the event of your death is an important life decision. It can be a task you may want to put off and deal with later, however, planning for what happens to your estate as soon as possible offers peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Appointing a power of attorney allows your loved ones to take care of you, your finances, and your affairs if you become unable to do so for yourself.
To start the process or for more information on wills and power of attorney, and to support the Cash for Kids programme, contact Watermans on 0131 555 7055.
St James Quarter is calling all daredevils to kick off their shoes and test their nerves by signing up for an adventurous charity walk over broken glass in aid of two local charities on Sunday 12th June.
Taking place on Register Square outside the Galleria, brave participants will have the chance to break out of their comfort zone and support the vital services carried out by Deaf Action and Cash for Kids with all proceeds going towards the vital work they do.
St James Quarter is encouraging friends and families to come along and support on the day with St James Quarter colleagues also rising to the challenge to take part in the seven-foot-long glass walk, with some even giving their feet a makeover for the occasion.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “It’s an honour to be working with two amazing charities that do so much to help others. I’m ready to roll up my trousers, get my toenails painted pink and brave the glass walk in the name of a good cause.
“The whole St James Quarter team is excited to be getting behind this daredevil challenge and we hope to raise as much money as possible for Deaf Action and Cash for Kids. We’re encouraging everyone who can to sign up and join us for what is set to be an experience to remember.”
Registration costs £22.50 and there’s a minimum sponsorship required of £150. Participants will also attend a 90-minute workshop with Firewalk Scotland prior to the glass-walk.
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