Tag: charity fundraising

DunBear dons virtual eye patch to mark ‘Big Night In’ and support local charity

The DunBear sculpture, part of the Hallhill development in Dunbar, will be donning a virtual spotted eyepatch, Pudsey-style, as part of the joint BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief “Big Night In.”

Taking place tomorrow (Thursday 23rd April) at 7pm, the show will raise funds for local projects across the UK during these challenging times. It will bring together stars including Sir Lenny Henry, Davina McCall, Peter Kay and Gary Barlow. All monies raised will be split between the two organisations.

The five-metre high steel Dunbear sculpture, created by renowned Scottish artist, Andy Scott, the man behind the ‘Kelpies’, will don the virtual eye patch which will be promoted via social media as a means to encourage people to give to the cause.

Individuals are also being encouraged to contribute to Dunbar charity, the Ridge. The Ridge, recognised for its outstanding work with young people, has joined forces with Dunbar Community Council as it shifts its focus to providing practical support for those of all ages adversely affected by COVID-19.

Jointly managed funds are already making a difference by providing food, clothes, toys and books.

A hot meals service is underway and the Ridge will direct and support people to debt advice services, mental health services and counselling.

Small grants are available  to groups, charities or individuals where such a grant will materially alleviate crisis.

The sculpture celebrates one of Dunbar’s most famous sons, John Muir, born this week in 1838 and who is credited with playing a key role in the development of America’s national parks.

It forms part of the mixed-use Hallhill development, being undertaken by Hallhill Developments, which started on site in 1999. The development has already delivered sports facilities, 56 acres of community woodland together with more than 1,500 homes, either built or under construction, as well as school provision and commercial and retail outlets.  

Ken Ross, on behalf of Hallhill Developments, commented: “We are delighted to be assisting in these extraordinary times to support such wonderful causes which make such a difference to people’s lives.

Hallhill is a key part of the Dunbar community and it is therefore only fitting that The DunBear should participate and play its part in raising much needed funding for organisations such as the Ridge.”

Pippa Swan, Chair of Dunbar Community Council said: “We would welcome everyone who is able to do what they can to support the Ridge.

“Their community work places them in the very best position to take a lead in helping individuals and families during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond and any funds raised will be directed fully to those in most need of help.”

Pauline Mills, Land & Planning Director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland said: “We have been part of the Dunbar community for many years now and we welcome the opportunity to be involved in this fundraising effort and provide a contribution of £500 to The Ridge to support the work they do. 

“Being able to work with groups and charities that surround our developments is important to us – even more so in these unprecedented times – and we are confident the local community will support these vital fundraising efforts as part of the BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief ‘Big Night In’ appeal.”

Those looking to contribute to The Ridge can do so via:https://paypal.me/TheRidgeDunbar?locale.x=en_GB

Those looking to contribute to the Big Night In can do so via: https://www.comicrelief.com/big-night-in/

Walk for Autism to go ahead

Walk for Autism UK and Ireland is calling for final registrations for its third annual campaign, which is set to continue as planned from March 26.

In a bid to encourage community spirit amid the UK’s current uncertainty, it has already reported its most successful pledge to date with a record number of sign-ups this year and is urging others to get involved.

Walk for Autism will see over 1,800 individuals across the country walking 10,000 steps a day for eight days finishing on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. In addition, those currently taking part have raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity, vital funds that will support autistic people and their families.

Head of Enterprise at Autism Initiatives Jon Gordon (above) said: “We are delighted with the number of walkers that are joining us in this year’s campaign and want to extend our thanks to each and every person who is stepping up to the challenge.

“We still have time to gain more momentum and together, raise even more money. This fundraising is essential in providing much needed support for autistic people, including their families.

“We appreciate that these are unprecedented times, but walkers can undertake the challenge solo, at a time and place that is convenient for them, whether it’s in your local park, your garden or even at home – every step counts.

“Right now, a sense of belonging is more important than ever and although participants may no longer be walking in groups, we are still very much a community. Once signed up, our fundraising team known as ‘Walking Buddies’ are available on email to offer round the clock support and registrants can also access a Facebook group to meet others supporting the initiative.”

In Scotland, money raised as part of the campaign will contribute to facilities at Autism Initiatives’ ‘One Stop Shops’ that provide free support and advice services for thousands of autistic people across Edinburgh, The Lothians, Borders, Perth and Kinross and Highland.

One Stop Shops offer a range of services including 1:1 support, drop-in sessions, group activities and training to name a few. With over 3,600 autistic people registered for support, these essential establishments help more than 600 individuals a month.

Although Walk for Autism UK and Ireland officially takes place March 26 to April 2, those taking part are free to undertake their eight-day steps challenge on dates that suit them.

Those stepping up to the challenge will start walking from March 26 up until World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2020. Those who sign up by March 20 will receive a fundraising pack which includes a t-shirt and pedometer.

To find out more about Walk for Autism or to sign up visit www.walkforautism.co.uk

Legal firm raises £62k for Scottish children’s charities with Greatest Showman event

A GREATEST Showman themed fundraising night hosted by one of the country’s top legal firms has generated vital funding for two of the nation’s best-loved children’s charities. Continue reading Legal firm raises £62k for Scottish children’s charities with Greatest Showman event

Leeds Building Society raises £100k for Samaritans in just six months

Leeds Building Society has surpassed £100,000 raised for its national charity partner Samaritans, as part of its aim to raise £250,000 by March 2020, with help from the Society’s Edinburgh branch. Continue reading Leeds Building Society raises £100k for Samaritans in just six months

Inaugural Survival Challenge raises over £2,500 for Children’s Charity

A SURVIVAL challenge on one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks has helped to raise funds for an influential children’s charity.

Six brave teams of four from companies including Gilson Gray LLP, Accenture and Laing O’Rourke proved what they were made of by competing in an orienteering race and skill-testing challenges around Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park in Edinburgh.

With a number of outdoor challenges to complete, teams raced to the finish line and battled it out in the survival tasks, such as compass bearing, tent pitching, first aid, stove safety, and wildlife identification. They also had to prove their selfie-taking skills with five photo challenges as well as the classic survival tasks.

Each team committed to raise minimum of £500 in sponsorship for ECHC. Currently, the amount raised stands at £2,500 with further fundraising events planned to take place over the coming weeks.

Taking home the trophy at the end of the day in a landslide victory was the ‘Power Rangers’ from SP Energy Networks (below).

Tabby Blades, Assistant Corporate Fundraiser for ECHC, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part for their phenomenal efforts in completing Survival on the Seat.

“The money raised through the sheer determination of the teams will all go towards the work of the charity, helping children and their families to have more positive hospital experiences.

“As the inaugural Survival on the Seat challenge, we couldn’t be more thrilled with how much of a success the day was and we hope to repeat this again next year with even more teams and challenges.

“Being the warmest day of the year, it was a fantastic atmosphere with everyone enjoying the sunshine in the park. We couldn’t have asked for a better day for it.”

As a brand new fundraising initiative, ECHC teamed up with Friends of the Award (FOTA), an organisation which works in partnership with local authorities and schemes across the Edinburgh area to deliver Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) and the Junior Award Scheme for Schools (JASS) achievement awards.

FOTA assisted by providing valuable expertise prior to the event and important resources such as tents and stoves to be used for challenges, as well as a number of volunteers to make the day run smoothly.

Neil Birch, Expedition Co-ordinator for FOTA said: “We were so pleased to support ECHC in the more practical elements of the first ever Survival on the Seat challenge.

“There was some uncertainty in the run up to the event about what the minimum weather conditions would have to be for the challenge to go ahead, but thankfully it was a great day for it.

“We’re looking forward to collaborating again next year to bring a bigger, better and more challenging Survival on the Seat with ECHC – but we’ll have to think of some new tasks to keep the teams on their toes.”

Tabby added: “We also must extend our thanks to the kind volunteers from FOTA – we simply couldn’t have delivered the event without their insight and assistance.

“The invaluable support from our fundraisers and partners helps us to transform the experience of children both in hospital and across community healthcare settings in Scotland, making sure they are a child first, and patient second.”

“You’re only as old as you feel”: Phil to tackle 2500 mile trek

A daring Edinburgh resident is set to undertake a gruelling trek from Hook of Holland to Istanbul covering more than 2,500 miles in order to raise money to support children and young people in hospital. Phil Crane, who embarks on the arduous expedition on his 69th birthday, is planning to walk through EIGHT countries in just seven months and follow in the footsteps of famous author Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor. Continue reading “You’re only as old as you feel”: Phil to tackle 2500 mile trek

Take the plunge and help local animals!

the-falkirk-wheel-at-night-c-peter-sandground

The Scottish SPCA is calling on daredevils to abseil down The Falkirk Wheel to raise vital funds.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity has spaces left for the exciting challenge which takes place on Saturday 22 April 2017.

Balerno centre manager, Diane Aitchison said, “This is the first time we have organised an abseil at The Falkirk Wheel and spaces are going fast.

“It’s a fantastic challenge for anyone who wants to do something fun and memorable to help animals in the local area.

“Those who have completed abseils for the charity in previous years have said that it’s an amazing experience and one they’ll never forget.

“There will be a team of highly skilled instructors to ensure participants are equipped with everything they need to make the abseil as safe and enjoyable as possible.

“We rely on public support to continue our work rescuing abused, abandoned and injured animals so every penny and pound raised in sponsorship really does count.”

Cheryl McLoughlan from Hamilton who previously took part in the Titan Crane abseil said, “I was terrified on the day but excited too. I had never taken part in anything like it before.

“That moment I had to climb over the side of the crane to my descent was pretty scary, but as soon as I got going I was loving it!

Anyone interested in taking part in the abseil can call the Scottish SPCA fundraising team on 03000 999 999 (option 4) or email fundraising@scottishspca.org for further information.

Picture: Peter Sandground

MHA team goes the extra mile to support cancer charity

A staff team from Muirhouse Housing Association is stepping out on an intrepid journey to raise funds to tackle cancer this month. The team is taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Walk All Over Cancer campaign – MHA’s Hannah Robertson explains more:

waoc-website-image-septembe

The team at MHA have been working hard to take steps to make Muirhouse Miles Better!

We have decided to get on our feet and raise money for charity! Five of us will be walking 10,000 steps every day of the month of September – that’s five meals EACH every day!

We will be raising money for Cancer Research, and as we do this we will be completing a virtual tour of as many Housing Associations as we can while clocking up the miles every day for a month.

Paula Mcvay, Stevie McAvoy, Susanne Connell, Grit Neilson and Barry Allan are the staff who are taking up the challenge. Luckily Muirhouse is situated very close to the beach and some lunch-time walks will help to increase our step count!

We also have an in house support team to help keep track of the miles and housing associations that we will pass on our journey.

We will walk 500 miles and we will walk 500 more …!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Paula-Hulbert-Mcvay?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20160908_88261

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/B-Allan2016?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_content=B-Allan2016&utm_campaign=pfp-share

You can support the team by sponsoring a team member (above), and you can follow us on our journey by visiting our Facebook page and our website at www.muirhouseha.org.uk