Tag: charity support

Edinburgh children supported by Amazon Dunfermline

The team at Amazon in Dunfermline has donated £3,000 worth of ride-along push cars to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity supports children facing potentially life-changing visits to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP). The charity provides reassurance, distraction and fun for children during their hospital visits.

One way the charity provides distraction is through the ride along push cars for children’s travel around the hospital, including to operations and appointments. To support the initiative, Amazon in Dunfermline has donated 50 push cars worth £3,000.

Kate Dixon, from Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are grateful to welcome the donation of push cars from our friends at Amazon in Dunfermline.

“We know that the environment around us can have a profound effect on wellbeing and mood and that’s why we create a welcoming space with fun activities for families and children visiting the hospital.”

“Donations like this allow our team to reimagine the hospital environment, making it fit for even the most active imaginations. Thank you to the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for bringing such positivity to what can be a stressful and scary experience.”

The donation of push cars is part of Amazon’s ongoing support for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. Since 2023, Amazon has provided support to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity by taking part in the charity’s ‘Kick Off’ football fundraising event, and with employees volunteering their time at the hospital. Last year, the team from Amazon in Dunfermline also donated kits which included toys and crafts.

Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline added: “We have a longstanding relationship with the team at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and we’re pleased to once again support the team and bring joy to patients with the donation of push cars.”

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need.

The Multibank network has now donated more than 3 million surplus goods to over 400,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, and London.

Amazon has supported more than 700,000 students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.

Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose.

Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.

Edinburgh charity awarded £5,000 by Scotmid members

Edinburgh-based Children’s Holiday Venture (CHV) is one of three good causes across the East of Scotland that has been awarded a share of a £25,000 Scotmid funding pot. The funds were allocated following a vote by Scotmid members.

CHV is a student-led charity run by volunteers from the University of Edinburgh, supporting children aged 7–17 from some of the most deprived areas in and around the city.

The volunteers work with around 140 children who take part in free fortnightly activities designed to boost emotional wellbeing and build social skills.

The programme includes the provision of engaging experiences such as science nights, bowling, swimming, scavenger hunts and day trips, which the £5,000 will help support.

Fergal Francis, Treasurer at Children’s Holiday Venture, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to have been awarded this funding from Scotmid.

“It means we can continue to run fun, enriching activities that make a valuable difference to the children we work with. These sessions help build confidence, friendships, and memories that last well beyond the day itself.”

The other two good causes that have received a share of the £25,000 are Answer Day Care Centre based in Whitburn and Rio Community Centre based in Fife.

Nathan Evans and The Saint Phnx Band announce intimate gig to support Scotland’s mental health

Scottish music sensations Nathan Evans and Saint Phnx will be singing for the nation’s mental health at a special charity gig for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health).

The unforgettable and intimate night of live music will be held at the stunning Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on Friday 6 June, with just 150 pairs of tickets up for grabs at this exclusive event.

Tickets are available through a text to win prize draw, powered by the Fonix platform (www.fonix.com), giving fans the chance to win a pair of tickets by texting GIG to 84903.

You will be charged your standard network rate charge and a voluntary £3 donation to SAMH – You must be 18 or over and have the bill payer’s permission to enter. Entries close at 11:59pm on 11/05/2025.

See T&Cs at samh.org.uk/gstc

The event signals the start of SAMH’s new programme of special events, The Garden Sessions: an exclusive fundraising initiative that joins the magic of live music with support for vital mental health services.

Nathan Evans, known for his viral sea shanties, and chart-topping band Saint Phnx, will headline the first SAMH Garden Session, with more exclusive shows planned later in the year.

Nathan Evans said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to be part of the very first SAMH Garden Session. Playing an intimate show like this, in such a stunning setting, and for a cause as important as mental health, makes it really special for us.

“We can’t wait to be part of something so positive and memorable — it’s going to be an incredible night.”

Hazel McIlwraith, Director of Fundraising and Major Appeals at SAMH, said: “Music has an incredible ability to bring people together, lift spirits, and create lasting memories.

“Connecting with other people and being surrounded by nature is good for your mental health, and this special event will be an uplifting experience.

“With The Garden Sessions, we want to offer something truly unique that not only celebrates live music and gives fans the opportunity to see top artists up close, but also raises vital funds for mental health at a time when support is so desperately needed.”

SAMH recently announced plans to open The Nook, Scotland’s first ever network of walk-in mental health support hubs and proceeds from this event will help to support their establishment.

Find out more at samh.org.uk/the-nook.

Edinburgh Shopper Scoops over £700 for CHAS in Aldi Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland’s much-loved Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Edinburgh, and one lucky local winner has raised £726.77 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) while picking up the same amount in Aldi favourites for herself. 

Aldi’s popular Supermarket Sweep is inspired by the legendary gameshow and arrived at the Chesser store on 16 April 2025. Lucky shopper Amy Utzinger. who was chosen as the winner of a competition, took part in the five-minute trolley dash for CHAS.

As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Aldi Scotland matched the cash value of Amy’s haul, donating all proceeds to CHAS to help support over 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025 every penny raised through the initiative will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support. 

Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Amy Utzinger, said: “What a fantastic experience! I’ve never had five minutes fly by so quickly.

“I had a strategy all planned out, but it flew right out of my head as soon as I started, and I just started grabbing things.

“The people at Aldi were so kind and helpful, and I was so pleased to help CHAS get more donations, they deserve every penny. Thanks so much to Aldi for a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience!”

Iain McAndrew, CHAS Director of Income Generation and Engagement said: “This year CHAS has been supporting 51 families in the NHS Lothian area. Children and families can access a range of expert care depending on their needs, from palliative care, respite stays, family support as well as bereavement and spiritual care, helping families make the most of every precious moment together.

“Our work to keep the joy alive for children and families is made possible by the kindness and generosity of our volunteers, supporters and fundraisers, and partnerships with organisations like Aldi Scotland, without whom we could not deliver our vital services for children and families to ensure that no family in Scotland faces the death of their child alone.”

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Our annual Supermarket Sweep holds a special place in the Aldi calendar, and we’re so pleased to bring it back for another year. Congratulations to Amy who managed to raise a fantastic £726.77 for CHAS, while snapping up a whole load of Aldi favourites for herself.

“CHAS is an incredible organisation which does invaluable work for families in Scotland.  We are committed to raising as much money as possible so the charity can continue to provide vital hospice care to children with life-shortening conditions, and unwavering support to families during the most difficult moments imaginable.”

For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit:

https://www.chas.org.uk/

Three generations of Scottish family knit 6,500 chocolate ‘hats’ to raise over £35,000 for Mary’s Meals

The Young family have also knitted scarves which if tied together would be taller than the Eiffel Tower – all for charity

Three generations of a Midlothian family have raised over £35,000 for charity by knitting 6,500 chocolate ‘hats’. 

And as Easter approaches, the Young family are spreading joy once more by knitting their charming chocolate egg covers to raise funds for international school feeding charity Mary’s Meals. 

Colin, 67, and Jackie, 64, from Dalkeith in Midlothian, first discovered Mary’s Meals 12 years ago while watching a television programme featuring the charity’s work in Malawi. Moved by the charity’s impact – providing meals to hungry children to encourage school attendance – the couple felt inspired to take action. 

Colin recalls: “We were inspired by the transformative power of providing food in schools and how such a simple act can lead to a better life for children.  

“Seeing the scale of hunger and poverty was daunting, but we found encouragement in Mother Teresa’s words: ‘If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.’ So, we set out to do just that.” 

Mary’s Meals, founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, provides daily school meals to more than 2.6 million children across 16 of the world’s poorest countries, including Haiti, Malawi and South Sudan. The charity’s feeding programme ensures that a nutritious meal attracts children into the classroom, where education becomes the key to a brighter future. 

Jackie’s knitting journey began when someone offered to pay for a scarf she made as a Christmas present. Instead of accepting payment, she donated the money to Mary’s Meals. That simple act of kindness has since blossomed into an ongoing project, producing more than 410 scarves, 35 baby blankets and an astonishing 6,500 ‘hats’ for chocolates. 

Having raised more than £35,000 for Mary’s Meals over the past decade, the couple estimates that if all the scarves Jackie has knitted were joined together, they would stretch from the top of the Eiffel Tower down to the ground. 

Fundraising for Mary’s Meals has become a true family effort. Their granddaughter, Lucy, now 16 years old, started helping at just eight years old. Initially assisting with table sales, she now creates crochet animals to sell alongside her grandparents’ knits, raising an impressive £1,000 to date. 

Colin and Jackie’s daughter, Laura, 41, has also joined the cause, contributing new, creative ideas and making paper-based crafts that have generated around £1,200 for the charity. 

This year, the family hopes to raise £3,000, largely through their Easter and Christmas projects, with support from Beeslack Community High School in Penicuik, Midlothian. Their continued dedication is a testament to how small, heartfelt actions can make a significant impact. 

Sally Davidson, Supporter Engagement Officer for East Scotland​ at Mary’s Meals, says: “Colin and Jackie’s dedication is truly inspiring. Their creativity and generosity demonstrate the power of small acts of kindness in transforming lives. Every stitch they knit helps provide nutritious meals for children who might otherwise go hungry.  

“We are incredibly grateful for their support and for the way they’ve brought their whole community together to help Mary’s Meals feed the next child waiting for a nutritious daily meal in a place of education.” 

For those feeling inspired by Colin and Jackie’s efforts, there are many ways to get involved. Whether it’s knitting, baking, hosting a fundraiser, or simply spreading the word, every action – no matter the size – can make a big difference.  

Visit Mary’s Meals website for more ideas on how to help feed hungry children and find out how Mary’s Meals is providing More Than A Meal for some of the world’s poorest communities.  

Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep returns to Edinburgh

Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Edinburgh the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

The supermarket challenge, inspired by the legendary game show, is sure to add excitement to the weekly shopping trip. As well as fundraising, Edinburgh locals have the chance to take home their favourite items from Aldi’s store in Chesser.  

Launched in 2016, the supermarket challenge offers shoppers the chance to take part in a five-minute trolley dash, allowing them to gather as many Aldi favourites as they can within the timeframe. Once the time is up, the lucky shopper gets to take home the trolley full of goodies, while Aldi matches the cash value of the goods as a donation. 

Each year across Scotland CHAS supports over 500 babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025 every penny raised through Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support. 

Edinburgh residents can apply for the Supermarket Sweep from Monday 24 March to Sunday 30 March 2025.

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Our annual Supermarket Sweeps hold a special place in the Aldi calendar, donating over £50,000 to local charities since 2016. We’re very much looking forward to its return for another year and giving one lucky Edinburgh resident the chance to enjoy a truly unique supermarket experience. 

“CHAS is a charity very close to our hearts, which provides a truly invaluable lifeline for families across Scotland, offering specialist care and unwavering support during the most difficult moments imaginable. This year, Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep will be travelling all over Scotland, giving Aldi customers nationally a brilliant opportunity to raise funds for CHAS while shining a light on the incredible work the charity does.”  

Entry is free and customers can apply in-store or by emailing supermarketsweep@aldi.co.uk

Entrants must be available to take part in the sweep after stores close at 10pm on their chosen date.

Entrants must be over 18 years old to take part, and alcohol products are not included in the sweep. 

For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit https://www.chas.org.uk/

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home thanks Morrisons Granton shoppers

A huge thank you to everyone who donated to our Pet Food Drive at Morrisons Granton last weekend!

Because of your generosity, we collected enough food to provide 2,385 meals for pets across East and Central Scotland. 🤩

Pet food banks are a lifeline for so many pet owners.

Thanks to you, we can help keep pets where they belong – at home, with the families who love them 💚

Aldi Scotland Announces CHAS as the Official Charity Partner for its 2025 Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland has proudly announced Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as the official charity partner of its long running and hugely popular Supermarket Sweep initiative for 2025. 

The much-loved event has named CHAS as the exclusive beneficiary, with funds raised helping to provide vital hospice care and support to children with life-shortening conditions across Scotland.

Launched in 2016, the supermarket challenge, inspired by the legendary game show, offers shoppers the chance to take part in a five-minute trolley dash, allowing them to gather as many Aldi favourites as they can within the timeframe. Once the time is up, the lucky shopper gets to take home the trolley full of goodies, while Aldi matches the cash value of the goods as a donation.

Each year across Scotland CHAS supports over 500 babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025 every penny raised through the initiative will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support. 

With ten Sweeps set to take place throughout the year, the partnership will have a real impact on CHAS’ vital services, providing palliative, respite, and end-of-life care at Rachel House in Kinross, Robin House in Balloch, and across all of Scotland through CHAS at Home.

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director at Aldi Scotland, said: “CHAS provides an incredible lifeline for families across Scotland, offering specialist care and unwavering support during the most difficult moments imaginable. This is a charity very close to our hearts and we’re honoured to be partnering with them for our 2025 Supermarket Sweep.

“The annual initiative holds a special place in the Aldi calendar, donating over £50,000 to local charities since 2016, while offering loyal customers across Scotland the chance to take part in a truly unique supermarket experience.

“We hope this partnership will not only raise significant funds for the charity but also help to shine a light on the incredible impact CHAS has across Scotland.”

Rami Okasha, CHAS CEO, said: “Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep is a fantastic initiative that will not only help raise vital funds for our organisation but hopefully highlight the reality faced by families caring for a child with a life-shortening condition.

“At CHAS, we provide unwavering care to children who may die young and their families, at every step on this hardest of journeys. We are dedicated to ensuring that no family in Scotland faces the death of their child alone.

“This partnership will help us continue to deliver expert care – whether in our hospices, in hospitals, or at home – so that families can make the most of every precious moment together.”

Aldi Scotland’s 2025 Supermarket Sweep will kick off at Aldi’s Chesser store in Edinburgh, with applications set to open on 24 March. Further locations and dates will be announced in due course.

For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit:

 https://www.chas.org.uk/

You can find your nearest Aldi here. 

Miller Homes supports Community Renewal with funding boost for Pennywell Pantry

Miller Homes Scotland East is supporting Community Renewal Trust in Edinburgh with its Community Fund initiative by donating £1,000 to The Pennywell Pantry, run by Community Renewal Trust.

The pantry, established in 2020, offers members of the community the opportunity to purchase a variety of food and household essentials at significantly reduced prices, making them more accessible and helping local families in need.

Miller Homes’ Community Fund, now in its third year and fifth round of funding, invites applications for funding from charities and community groups across the country. Since the launch in September 2022, 390 groups and charities across the UK have benefitted from grants totaling £291,000. In 2024 alone, 31 groups across Scotland received grants.

Miller Homes’ donation to Community Renewal Trust will go towards providing more people with access to more affordable food. It also fosters a sense of community by providing a welcome space for residents to connect. 

Fran Armour, Director of Development at Community Renewal Trust said: “Thanks to a generous £1,000 donation from Miller Homes,

“The Pennywell Pantry can provide even more families and community members with affordable, nutritious food. The Pantry is reliant on donations and so we collaborate with local businesses and organisations, such as Miller Homes, who have contributed generous donations to further our mission.

“This support helps us build stronger communities and offer a lifeline to those in need. Together, we can make a real difference.”

Neil Gaffney, Regional Sales Director for Miller Homes Scotland East, said: “We are delighted to be able to continually support causes within the communities that we have developments. It has become one of the most important things that we do at Miller Homes. 

“The work of Community Renewal Trust with The Pennywell Pantry is vitally important in supporting struggling families by alleviating food and household essentials insecurities. We are delighted that this funding will go towards continuing this amazing work.”

For more information on Miller Homes’ Community Fund and to find out when the next round of funding opens, visit www.millerhomes.co.uk/communityfund.

Edinburgh brewery raises funds for Motor Neurone Disease

Brewing Legacy: How Cold Town Beer is honouring Doddie Weir with the support of APC Edinburgh and The APC Network

When Cold Town Beer was founded in Edinburgh in 2017, its vision was to combine tradition and innovation, crafting small-batch artisan beers that honour Scotland’s rich brewing heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern brewing.

Named after Edinburgh’s Calton Hill – historically known as “Caltoun” or “Cold Town” – this brewery quickly became a local favourite, celebrated for its commitment to quality, sustainability and community.

Today, Cold Town Beer continues to create a meaningful impact, not only with its craft beer but also through initiatives such as Doddie Beir.

Honouring Doddie Weir with Doddie Beir

Doddie Beir is more than just a limited-edition lager. It’s a tribute to George Wilson “Doddie Weir” OBE, the rugby legend, who passed away from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2022. With its smooth and crisp flavour, Doddie Beir aims to raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which he founded in 2017 to advance MND research and provide support to individuals affected by the disease.

Every pint of Doddie Beir sold supports the foundation, helping to fund vital research into finding a cure for MND. Since its launch in 2020, Doddie Beir has enabled Cold Town Beer to donate over £15,000 to the foundation, with a commitment to contribute at least £11,000 more over the next two years.

A beer made with Doddie’s touch

“Doddie Beir is deeply personal to us,” explains Louise Maclean, Business Development Director at Signature Pub Group Ltd. “It was born out of a close friendship with Doddie and Nic Wood, owner of Signature Pub Group Ltd. We wanted to create a beer that felt true to him- light-hearted, fun and well-loved, just like Doddie himself.”

Doddie was actively involved in the beer’s development, ensuring it reflected his personal taste. “In 2019, we had the privilege of brewing this lager with Doddie himself. He wanted a beer that was less sweet, a little more bitter and crisp like a classic Pilsner,” Louise adds. “His fingerprints are all over Doddie Beir, and we’re proud to share it with rugby fans everywhere.”

Partnering with APC Edinburgh for seamless deliveries

In 2020, Cold Town Beer partnered with APC Edinburgh and The APC network to support the growing business and manage the increasing demand for reliable, secure deliveries of fragile, liquid products. This partnership has also been instrumental in the success of the Doddie Beir project, ensuring the beer is delivered in peak condition across Scotland and beyond. 

“The APC and APC Edinburgh’s local approach and reliable overnight delivery service have been game changers for us,” Ben Wallace, Sales Consultant at Cold Town, shares.

“As a craft brewery rooted in our community, we trust APC Edinburgh to handle our deliveries with care. Their local depot team has been incredibly supportive, ensuring every delivery arrives in perfect condition.”

Looking ahead

With Doddie Beir, Cold Town Beer is ready to make an even greater impact during the Six Nations tournament and beyond. “We’re excited to share this special beer with rugby fans across the UK and to continue supporting the incredible work of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation,” Louise says.

Ailsa Hamilton, Sales Manager at APC Edinburgh said: “Partnering with Cold Town Beer on this meaningful project has been a privilege.

“We’re proud to support their mission and play a role in their efforts to support the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. It’s inspiring to work alongside a company so committed to making a positive impact and we look forward to continuing this partnership as they grow and achieve even greater things.”

Find out more about Cold Town Beer here: https://coldtownbeer.com/

and APC Edinburgh here: https://www.apcedinburgh.com/