Tag: charity initiative

Eilish McColgan calls on Scots to get active to feed hungry children

FROM DALMALLY TO MALAWI: The champion runner is asking people to clock up miles this April to raise funds for Mary’s Meals 

Scottish long-distance running champion Eilish McColgan, who broke the British half-marathon record at the weekend, is calling on people to help feed hungry children in some of the world’s poorest countries by signing up to Mary’s Meals’ new fundraising challenge, From Dalmally to Malawi.  

Founded 20 years ago in a shed in Argyll, Mary’s Meals feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day in 18 countries including Malawi, Kenya and Syria. The promise of a nutritious meal encourages children into the classroom where they can gain an education and hope for a brighter future.  

Eilish, who is currently training for this April’s London Marathon, says: “As a sportsperson, I am really passionate about helping people to enjoy keeping fit. That’s why I’m delighted to support Mary’s Meals’ new active challenge, From Dalmally to Malawi.  

“There’s still time to sign up and help feed children in some of the world’s poorest communities. All you need to do is pledge to complete a number of miles in April and ask friends and family for sponsorship.   

By signing up to the challenge, Scots will take part in a virtual journey from Dalmally, the village in the Highlands of Scotland where Mary’s Meals was founded, to Malawi, where the charity served its first life-changing school meals. 

From walking, to running, to swimming – participants can take part in From Dalmally To Malawi in any way they choose. The money raised through sponsorship will help to feed desperately hungry children in some of the world’s poorest countries.   

Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “We’re really grateful to Eilish for going the extra mile for Mary’s Meals, and backing our new fundraising challenge. 

“However many miles you pledge, taking part in From Dalmally to Malawi allows you to follow the Mary’s Meals journey while helping us to reach the next hungry child. I hope as many people as possible join us this April!” 

People signing up to the challenge will receive a free Mary’s Meals T-shirt and will be invited to join an exclusive online community, where they’ll receive inspirational video messages and stories from Mary’s Meals.  

By taking part, people in Scotland will be helping children like Exton from Malawi. Thanks to Mary’s Meals, he eats a mug of vitamin-enriched porridge every day that fills his empty stomach and gives him energy to learn.  

Exton says: “I come to school knowing that I will find food. Mary’s Meals gives me joy and happiness and that helps me to pass with flying colours in class.” 

To sign up to the From Dalmally to Malawi challenge, please visit: marysmeals.org.uk/campaigns/from-dalmally-to-malawi 

Laings Edinburgh celebrates the gift of time this festive season

Independent luxury jeweller, Laings, has transformed its Edinburgh showroom into a Christmas wonderland, featuring traditional rich red and gold décor, to encourage its clients to treasure the time they have with loved ones and celebrate the magic of the festive season. 

Putting a focus on the gift of time, Laings has launched an in-store activation with the British Heart Foundation to help bring people together, giving clients the opportunity to send a special message through its dedicated showroom post boxes.

The charity initiative, which will see £10 donated by Laings for every letter received at its Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff and Southampton showrooms, and through its website, will help to end heartbreak from heart and circulatory diseases.

Each sentimental message sent to Laings will be emailed to the chosen recipient to open on Christmas day, endeavouring to put a glorious smile on their face. Once the recipient has enjoyed their letter, they will be able to see all the messages from across the UK showcased on the Laings website, displaying the warmth and love of Laings’ extended family.

Through six generations of family ownership, Laings understands the importance of long-standing relationships and celebrating special moments, with strong family values at its core.

Stuart McDowell, Managing Director of Laings, said: “Reflecting on what has been a challenging year for most, this year, more than ever, we must cherish the precious moments spent with our loved ones.

“Family is at the heart of Laings, and we feel the festive season is the perfect time to bring everyone closer together. Our winter campaign does just that – encouraging us to treasure the moments we get to spend together and creating memories which last a lifetime.”

With the season to sparkle now upon us, Laings has also unveiled a new Fine Jewellery and Diamonds collection which includes one-of-a-kind pieces, superlative designs and magnificent gemstones.

Amongst the handcrafted pieces includes an 18ct white gold diamond necklet with 37 dazzling pear cut diamonds (£78,200), 18ct art-deco inspired emerald and diamond ring (£27,900) and 18ct white gold sapphire and diamond oval cut statement earrings (£22,995). Created with the finest materials and crafted with excellence, the new collection reinforces that a gift from Laings is one to be treasured for generations.

The collections are on display in Laings’ festive campaign photoshoot, which features traditional Christmas and extravagant party scenes. Both prove the versatility of the collections at Laings and illustrate the magic of the festive season with gifting, champagne, ballgowns and, most importantly, love in the air.

The campaign can be seen in Laings showroom windows across all of its locations, bringing to life the festivities with a distinctive red and signature Laings blue colour scheme that only adds to the wonder of the jewellery in the spotlight.

Stuart added: “We are proud to help celebrate our clients’ memorable moments and this Christmas our talented team will be on hand to help you find the perfect gift – or something to add to your own wish list.

“As we continue to invest in every area of the business, we’re able to take our clients on an even more immersive journey, from offering them the opportunity to view our carefully curated collections in an enhanced showroom environment, to matching them with one of our in-house designers to create a bespoke piece.

“We’ve also recently introduced new brands to our esteemed portfolio, including luxury Maison Fabergé, as well as expanding our own collections, bringing new pieces and price points to our clients.”

Browse the latest collections at www.Laingsuk.com/Christmas or visit one of Laings’ showrooms to speak to a member of the team and to post your letter to a loved one.

All letters as part of the British Heart Foundation ‘messages to loved ones’ initiative should be submitted by 24 December 2021.

Stocky & Dee’s ‘Pup-cycle’ charity initiative gives dog collars a new lease of life

–  Luxury dog brand encourages customers to return used puppy collars – 

Luxury dog accessories firm, Stocky & Dee, is encouraging pet owners to do their bit to cut out waste and return their used puppy collars. Stocky & Dee’s ‘Pup-cycle’ initiative up-cycles outgrown puppy collars and donates them to dogs homes to be worn again. 

The charity initiative from the Edinburgh-headquartered family business asks customers to send back collars which their puppy has outgrown in return for a discount on a future purchase.

Stocky & Dee refurbishes these collars, if required, and donates them to a different dog charity every month with the first being The Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home. Their Pup-cycle initiative is one of the many ways Stocky & Dee encourages the reusability of their products and helps in their drive to be a sustainable business that does not negatively impact the environment. 

Customers can follow the journey of their returned collar by visiting Stocky & Dee’s website where they can see their former puppy collar with its new owner.

To date the company has refurbished and donated 65 collars to five dog homes in the UK. This is an extension to their ‘Puppy Pack’ offer where customers are offered a puppy collar for half price when purchasing the fully grown collar. 

In addition to up-cycling outgrown puppy collars, Stocky & Dee will soon be launching a service that sees no used Stocky & Dee products end up in landfill. As each piece is built by one of the Stocky & Dee team they have the ability to up-cycle, alter and be creative with these used products so they can continue to be used. This includes anything from the metal on each product to the yarn fabrics used. 

Founder of Stocky & Dee and textiles graduate, Mairi Robb, said: “We want to be with our customers on their whole dog journey from pup to pensioner. As dog owners, we understand how much people want to spoil their new pups but appreciate how expensive this can be, especially considering how fast they grow.

“Our puppy pack allows customers to treat their puppies without breaking the bank and our Pup-cycle initiative allows them to send back these collars, in return for a voucher and see it continue it’s life with a new owner. 

Katie Kennedy, Corporate Engagement and Events Co-ordinator at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home said: “Through Stocky & Dee’s support and their Pupcycle initiative we’ve been able to provide our furry residents with the trendiest collars. 

“As we receive no regular government funding we rely heavily on the generous support of the public, companies, and charitable trusts to fund our work. We are very grateful for the support that Stocky & Dee has shown us throughout lockdown to now and look forward to continuing the partnership.” 

During the peak of the pandemic when animal charities were hit hard across the globe, Stocky & Dee created a bespoke Rainbow Dog Collar with donations going to Mrs Murrays Dog & Cat Home in Aberdeen, raising over £1000 for them so far.

The design was so popular that it has been made part of the permanent collection.  

Stocky & Dee was launched in Scotland in 2019 by husband and wife team Mairi and Chris Robb. It has experienced rapid growth, partly as a result of the surge in pet ownership during the pandemic.