Guitar Sale…this weekend at the Heart of Newhaven Doors Open Day!
The Heart of Newhaven, 4-6 Main Street, Newhaven, Edinburgh EH6 4HY
Guitar Sale at Heart of Newhaven
Tag: charity fundraising
Children First unveils 48th ‘Bunnies and Brambles’ Banchory Bangle prize draw in bid to raise £15K
The eagerly awaited 48th prize draw for the Children First Banchory Bangle, titled ‘Bunnies and Brambles,’ has launched.
In partnership with renowned jeweller Malcolm Appleby, Scotland’s national children’s charity hopes to raise £15,000 through the prize draw, to give children and families help when they need it most and hope for a brighter future.
Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. The charity protects children from harm, keeps them safe and supports them to recover from trauma and abuse through its national support line and in homes, schools and communities across Scotland.
Designed by Malcolm Appleby, these stunning hand-engraved bangles draw inspiration from the vibrancy and beauty of nature, with bunnies and brambles symbolising renewal, growth and hope.
This year’s Banchory Bangle is a stunning Scottish treasure that comes in three variations: gold-plated, silver and bronze. With tickets on offer for a suggested donation of a £1 or more, everyone has a chance to win an exceptional piece of Malcolm’s artistry while helping protect Scotland’s children.
The bangle will be proudly displayed by the Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh as part of ‘A Celebration of the Banchory Bangle’ exhibition, featuring many of Malcolm’s stunning creations from over the years.
Each year, the prize draw is run by the Children First Deeside Committee and has raised more than £200,000 since 1976.
Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First, said: “Malcolm Appleby’s Banchory Bangle is a unique piece of Scottish treasure and this year’s design is stunning. We can’t thank Malcolm enough for his tremendous support over the years.
“The prize draw provides a rare opportunity to win an exceptional piece of jewellery while raising vital funds to keep children safe from harm.
“We are in the grip of a childhood emergency in Scotland. Now, more than ever, children, young people and their families need Children First’s support.
“Every penny raised from this year’s Banchory Bangle prize draw will go towards protecting Scotland’s children by providing expert practical, emotional and financial support through our local services and national support line.”
Engraver Malcolm Appleby, said: “Everyone’s a winner! Even if you don’t win the bangle you are helping to create a better world for children in Scotland and a better society for our future.”
Last year’s winner, Claire Hepburn told of her ‘absolute shock’ to win the bangle after taking part in the annual prize draw for many years.
She said: “It was an absolute shock. You never think you might win this, so it was absolutely wonderful.
“I have visited Malcolm’s workshop and I do have another bangle from him, so this was just the icing on the cake. It’s such a good feeling knowing you are giving donations for a worthy cause.”
The first bangle was made 47 years ago in Banchory, Malcolm’s then home, at Crathes Station, to mark Malcolm’s 21st year of living in Scotland.
The project has evolved over the decades with the continued support of the Children First Deeside Committee and long-term connection with Taylor’s On The High Street where the prize bangles are on display and prize draw tickets are for sale.
Anyone from across the UK can enter the prize draw at:
https://childrenfirst.org.uk/get-involved/events/the-banchory-bangle-raffle-2025/
£70,000 and Counting: Edinburgh neurodiversity charity’s fundraising heroes drive charity support forward
- Co-founder Robin Dow’s 25-mile challenge to celebrate 25 years of the neurodiversity charity paves the way for change
- Board members and Charity’s CEO embark on challenges to drive donations further
Mindroom is celebrating a series of extraordinary fundraising activities, led by co-founder Robin Dow, who, at 81 and recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, has already raised a huge £70,000 following his 25-mile walk from Mindroom’s Leith office to Tantallon Castle.
Robin’s epic walk is homage to the charity’s 25-year journey since he co-founded it with author, journalist and wife, Sophie Dow, on 2 August 2000. ‘A Mile for Every Year,’ which was expected to raise £50,000.
Reflecting on the experience, Robin Dow commented: “People are enormously generous, and we are incredibly grateful. The substantial amount we have already raised reflects countless small and large contributions coming together.
“The fact that so many people have responded and actively engaged shows that we not only have wonderful families and friends, but also that, in Mindroom, we have a very worthwhile charity.”
Adrian Astley-Jones – specialist in private equity tech advisory and Non-Executive Director for Mindroom – will also soon join the fundraising efforts with his own epic swim, inspiring colleagues and supporters to rally behind the cause.
On the 14th and 15th of September, Adrian will step out of his comfort zone and embark on a big challenge with three close friends, when he attempts to swim across the 3rd largest ocean whirlpool, The Gulf of Corryvreckan, located around 3 miles out from mainland Scotland’s West Coast, and deemed ‘unnavigable’ by the Royal Navy.
Commenting on the challenge ahead, Adrian adds: “Passion and commitment are part of the work we do with the Mindroom’s community.
“We have one goal, and that is to offer as much direct support as we can and make a difference to real people. I will certainly do my very best to contribute as much as possible to this very important mission. Every stroke counts!”
Adrian’s fundraising challenge carries a deeply personal meaning, as he has chosen to split donations between two causes close to his heart: Mindroom and Dementia UK.
CEO for Mindroom, Alan Thornburrow, will also be pushing fundraising efforts even further when he takes on the Loch Ness Marathon on Sunday, 28 September.
Talking about the joint fundraising efforts and the team spirit, Alan said: “Participating in the Loch Ness Marathon is more than a personal challenge…It’s an opportunity to channel energy into meaningful change.
“I’m proud to contribute every step of the way.
“Powered by individuals’ efforts and public generosity, Mindroom’s support has been growing steadily since I began as CEO in 2022, and our fundraising feats will benefit people directly, with donations translated into both the future of the charity and the development of new and expanded services, offering tangible support.
“This is why we do what we do, to inspire real change!”
To donate to the three individual fundraising efforts, the links are:
Kiltwalk: Forever by her side
Rescue Dog’s Memory Lives On Through Kiltwalk Fundraiser for the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home
A team of 29 dedicated supporters will be taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday 14 September to raise vital funds for the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.
Among them is Angelika, who adopted Moose — a Jack Russell who had spent 137 days in the Home’s care — back in 2019.
Last year, Angelika walked the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in support of the charity. This year, she returns to the Kiltwalk with Moose’s ashes in her backpack, honouring her memory and continuing their journey together in spirit.
A confident and bubbly 9-year-old pup, Moose went to the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home when her owners could no longer look after her. Rehomed by Angelika and Matthew, Moose had lots of adventures with her new family, visiting many European countries, including Germany and Austria, and she loved going on camping trips with them in the Scottish Highlands.
Moose passed away in July, having been diagnosed with cancer two years previously, but Angelika said she lived a happy life right to the end:
“I will never forget the feeling of meeting her for the first time. We fell in love, and we were wrapped around her paw straight away!
“She was always in the kitchen, between my legs watching me, so the first-time cooking when she wasn’t there was very hard for me. She was our best friend, our family.”
Last year Angelika did the Kiltwalk in support of the Home and enjoyed it so much that this year she decided to complete both the Glasgow and Edinburgh walks with Matthew and Moose. In April they finished the Glasgow walk.
Angelika remembers: “We had to get up early in the morning and Moose wasn’t a morning riser, but we had to get to Glasgow and she was like ‘are you kidding me?’ But she did it! And at the end of the day she was so happy she got her favourite meal afterwards.”
Angelika will be completing the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday 14 September and will carry Moose’s ashes in her backpack in memory of her beloved best friend.
Angelika explained, “She won’t be there, but I still want to take her ashes with me. She should still be part of the whole process, so I’m going to carry her ashes in my rucksack.
“It will be difficult, but it means a lot because she was our best friend, I miss her so much.
“I love what the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home do and hope that other dogs will get a good chance, just like Moose got, to find loving homes.”
Angelika has a target of £500 to reach. To donate to Angelika’s Kiltwalk, please visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/angelika-grindlay-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=EM
To find out more information on cats and dogs available for adoption or how you can make a donation, please visit www.edch.org.uk/donate
Local Tesco store supports local hospice with five figure donation
As part of their ongoing commitment to the local community, a Tesco Superstore in Edinburgh has raised £19,382 for St. Columba’s Hospice Care through instore fundraising and other initiatives.
The store, located on Broughton Road, has spent eight years raising vital funds for the hospice, which provides people in Edinburgh with end-of-life care, as well as supporting their families.
Recently, members of the Tesco team took part in the 7 Hills of Edinburgh Challenge, a long gruelling walk of around 27km with over 700m of climbing involved, in which they raised nearly £2,000 for the hospice alone.
In September, the team will be taking part in the famous Edinburgh Kiltwalk, part of Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event with over 178,000 people taking part since 2016.
Year-long fundraising in store includes a book donation point, which was started by store colleague Caroline Phillip, where customers are encouraged to take a book and make a small donation, which is then given to the hospice – with a current sum of £17,432 donated so far. Books are provided by local businesses and customers.
Ross Wallace, Store Manager at the Superstore, said: “We have supported St. Columba’s Hospice Care for many years and are delighted we have been able to give them such a fantastic donation of over £19,000.
“The hospice has provided help to not only colleagues in store, but our customers as well, so it’s a cause very close to our communities’ hearts.
“I’m extremely proud of all my staff for going the extra mile to raise funds for a vital service which supports so many people in the area, and I’d like to thank everyone who kindly donated over the years too.”
Amanda Southey, Partnerships Fundraiser, said: “We’re incredibly thankful to the team at Tesco for their continued commitment and generosity over the years.
“Their support makes a real difference to families across Edinburgh and the Lothians, allowing us to deliver expert, compassionate care, so no one has to face the end of life alone.”
Tesco Superstore is located at 7 Broughton Rd, Edinburgh, EH7 4EW.
Donations can be made to the store’s Kiltwalk efforts at:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rosswallace-688924857d8396eb850a9ec7.
For more information on St. Columba’s Hospice Care and how to support, please visit https://stcolumbashospice.org.uk/.
Letters: Cats Protection thanks players of People’s Postcode Lottery
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CHARITY
Dear Letters Editor,
This International Day of Charity (5 September) we would like to say thank you to each of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery whose generosity has enabled us to help around one million cats to date.
Since 2018, People’s Postcode Lottery players have raised £12,439,702 for Cats Protection, helping us be there for cats and kittens in need. One million cats’ lives have been changed for the better and this incredible milestone could not have been achieved without players’ support.
Thanks to People’s Postcode Lottery players we have been able to remain at the forefront of research on cat welfare, using our decades of experience to support cat owners to keep their pets happy, healthy and safe.
Helping people understand their cats means we can often avoid owners having to give up their pets. But when rehoming is the right thing to do, our teams look after cats with care and kindness, finding them loving new homes.
We speak up for cats, changing laws to give cats more protection and also run the world’s largest single-species neutering programme, for both pets and feral cats.
When cat owners face hard times, we work to keep them with their pets, offering a temporary foster service for those fleeing domestic abuse, supporting those facing the loss of their cat as well as peace of mind when an owner passes away that their cat will be looked after and rehomed.
Whatever it takes, we’re here for cats and the people who care for them, thanks to People’s Postcode Lottery players.
Yours faithfully
Cat Jarvis
Senior Philanthropy Communications Officer, Cats Protection
Hourglass: Raise a Cup campaign
Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse and neglect of older people, is inviting communities to come together this summer for a cuppa with a cause.
The new Raise A Cup campaign encourages people across the country to host tea mornings, coffee breaks, garden parties or picnics – raising vital funds to support Hourglass’ work tackling the abuse of older people and promoting safer ageing for everyone.
Every year, one in six people over 60 – around 2.6 million older people in the UK – experience abuse or neglect. Hourglass works with the most vulnerable of these cases through its 24/7 helpline, community response teams, and specialist support.
Jo Reeder, Income Generation and Fundraising Lead at Hourglass, said:
“Raise A Cup is a simple but powerful way to get involved. By bringing people together over tea, coffee, or cake, we can raise both awareness and funds to help end the abuse of older people.
“It’s a fun, social activity with a serious message at its heart.”
Launching this summer, Raise A Cup gives supporters the perfect chance to gather friends, colleagues and neighbours – whether outdoors in the sunshine or indoors during the colder months – and make a real difference.
Participants can download a free supporter pack with tips, materials and resources to help their event succeed.
To find out more and host your own Raise A Cup event, visit: https://wearehourglass.org/raise-a-cup or email fundraising@wearehourglass.org
Hourglass is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.
Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS.
If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.
Looking for inspiration? Here are 4 simple ways you can Raise A Cup:
1. Garden Picnic – Make the most of the sunshine with a cuppa in the park or garden.
2. Coffee Morning – Host a brew and a biscuit at home, work, or your local hall.
3. Afternoon Tea – Bring friends together for tea, treats or even fizz.
4. Bake Sale – Combine your cuppa with cake and raise extra funds for a great cause.
Whatever you choose, your event helps raise awareness of safer ageing and supports Hourglass’s vital work. Every cup counts!
Get your free event pack or donate today by visiting our website.
Childline counsellor to trek Great Wall of China to raise money for NSPCC
A Childline counsellor from Aberdeen is gearing up to walk 50km along the Great Wall of China next month to raise funds for Childline.
Gemma Cutler, 22, has volunteered with Childline for over two years. She will join a group of 18 fellow fundraisers on the epic challenge.
Dubbing themselves the ‘Tartan Trailblazers’ the group will set off in late September and will walk 10km on five consecutive days along the iconic site, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. They will navigate steep terrain and thousands of uneven steps in aid of the NSPCC-run service.
Gemma is a recent graduate from Aberdeen University, with degrees in Psychology with Counselling Skills, and Autism & Learning. She is currently working as an education support worker at Linn Moor Residential School.
She said: “I’ve spoken to many young people through Childline and I know how important it is for them to have a safe space to talk about their feelings and be listened to without judgement.
“Childline believes that everyone matters. That’s why I’m taking on this challenge—to help ensure the service can continue to be there for children who need support, whenever they need it.”
Gemma became involved with Childline after hearing her mother talk about her experience as a Childline volunteer. She saw advertisements online looking for volunteers and decided to sign up and says the experience has been both rewarding and eye-opening.
She added: “It’s a privilege to be part of something that makes such a difference. Every donation helps Childline continue to offer that lifeline to children who may have nowhere else to turn.
“I have already raised more than £3,000 on JustGiving and I would just like to thank everyone who has donated. It’s amazing that so many people have dug deep for such an amazing cause, and it will encourage me to keep going – even during the toughest moments.”
The trek, organised through travel firm Charity Challenge, will follow the winding path along the Yan Mountains to the Gubeikou Gateway, including the famous ‘heavenly staircase’—a steep climb with dramatic views and exposed conditions.
Participants will face early starts, basic overnight accommodation, and unpredictable weather, with rain, wind and sun all possible during the five-day journey.
Funds raised will go towards supporting NSPCC services, including Childline’s free counselling for children, the adult Helpline for reporting concerns about a child and to get parenting advice and support, and educational programmes such as Talk PANTS and Speak Out Stay Safe, which aim to prevent abuse and neglect.
To donate, please visit Gemma’s JustGiving page.
Young people looking for support can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.
Adults with concerns about a child can contact Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk.
Letters: NSPCC Scotland launching new Community Fundraising Group
VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
Dear Editor,
NSPCC Scotland is launching a new Community Fundraising Group in Musselburgh, Portobello and East Edinburgh. We are seeking enthusiastic and creative volunteers to play a crucial role in raising vital funds for our services such as Childline and Speak Out, Stay Safe.
We will only need volunteers for one to two hours a month, and we offer a flexible arrangement designed to fit around work, family and social life. Key activities include engaging with neighbours, local organisations and businesses to spread awareness, organise small-scale events or campaigns, and inspire donations that ensure our services remain free for those who need them most.
Participants will receive comprehensive support, including practical fundraising advice, promotional materials and ongoing guidance from our dedicated Community Fundraising Team. Beyond the personal reward of helping to keep children safe, volunteers gain valuable experience in communication, organisation and leadership, all while connecting with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.
If you would like to play your part in protecting young people and have a couple of spare hours each month, we’d love to hear from you. If interested, contact me via email at arlene.main@nspcc.org.uk or call 07891 598 086. Together, we can fight for every childhood and create safer communities for all.
Yours sincerely,
Arlene Main
Local Campaign Manager, NSPCC Scotland
Charity Radio Manager steps out with family for Edinburgh Kiltwalk
The manager of an award-winning charity radio station is keeping it in the family and taking part in Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event.
Kris Wallace, Operations Manager at RNIB Connect Radio, will take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday, September 14, joined by his wife Fiona and seven-year-old daughter JessicaJane, who inspired the family’s fundraising effort for RNIB. They will also be joined by other family members on the tartan-clad journey.
The Kiltwalk is a popular, multi-city fundraising event where people across Scotland walk for the causes closest to their hearts. For the Wallace family, supporting RNIB was an easy choice.
“It was actually my daughter, JessicaJane who is only 7, who came up with the idea,” Kris explains. “She hears me talk about the impact of RNIB when I get home from work every day and listens to the stories from the blind & partially sighted community broadcast on RNIB Connect Radio when I’m at home.
“Inspired by these stories, she wanted to find a way to raise money for the work RNIB does and decided that the Edinburgh Kiltwalk was a great opportunity. She gathered multiple members of the family to join us, we got our JustGiving pages set up, our tartan kilts and skirts bought… and she now can’t wait to see how much money we can raise!”
Kris has worked for RNIB Connect Radio in various roles since 2011 and says his experience at the station made it an easy decision to get involved.
“I’ve worked for RNIB in different roles for almost 15 years, and in that time I’ve seen how people affected by sight loss have fought for their community with every tool at their disposal, from campaigns to services to fundraising and legacies.
“RNIB has not only given me a career, it has given me lifelong friends who have shown me that sight loss need not be the thing that stops you living a full and independent life.
“RNIB Connect Radio is broadcast 24/7 365 days of the year, and all of our shows are presented by blind or partially sighted hosts who are absolute professionals, who refuse to let sight loss get in the way of following their passion.
I never back away from a chance to raise money for such an incredible charity who put the needs of blind and partially sighted people at the heart of everything they do
As for what they hope to achieve, Kris says: “Jess wants to make a real difference for people affected by sight loss and hopes to smash her fundraising goals.
“Personally I want to raise some serious funds for the amazing work that RNIB does every single day. It’s my way of saying a massive ‘thank you’ and helping RNIB continue their crucial mission.
“Working for the charity I understand that every single donation, small or large, helps RNIB continue their incredible work supporting people with sight loss.
“The generosity of those who take part in Kiltwalks, or any fundraising activity, or provide a gift in their will, or even those who donate a couple of quid in a Sooty Box can fund vital services, provide essential equipment, and offer a lifeline to those who need it most.”
You can support Kris, Fiona and JessicaJane’s Edinburgh Kiltwalk for RNIB here:
Kris Wallace is fundraising for RNIB – Royal National Institute of Blind People
Jess’s Jolly Walkers (for RNIB) is fundraising for RNIB – Royal National Institute of Blind People
For more information on fundraising with RNIB, visit www.rnib.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise or listen to RNIB Connect Radio on Freeview 730 and online at www.rnib.org.uk/connect-radio.