Tag: charity support

Scottish law firm raises £10,800 for charity Will-writing campaign

A Edinburgh law firm has raised an impressive £10,800 by participating in an annual charity Will-writing campaign – making it the second highest donating firms across Scotland this year.

McEwan Fraser Legal has taken part in the Will Aid campaign since 2019, raising a grand total of £23,555, by volunteering their time and expertise to write Wills and, instead of charging their usual fees for writing basic Wills, inviting clients to make a donation to Will Aid.

The funds raised go to Will Aid’s partner charities, which support a range of important causes, from providing humanitarian aid to protecting vulnerable children here in the UK.

Ken McEwan from the firm, said: “Taking part in Will Aid is something we look forward to each year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to give back -not only by helping people secure their future with a professionally written Will but also by raising funds for charities that make a real impact.

“Our team is incredibly passionate about supporting charities, and knowing our efforts are helping both our community and those further afield is truly rewarding. We are delighted to have played our part in this year’s campaign and to have raised such a significant amount.”

Since its launch in 1988, Will Aid has raised more than £24 million in donations, with millions more pledged in charitable legacies, thanks to the generosity of participating solicitors.

Lauren Poole, chair of Will Aid, said: “A huge well done to McEwan Fraser Legal for their incredible fundraising efforts this year.

“It’s inspiring to see so many legal professionals come together to make a difference – helping people gain peace of mind with a professionally written Will while supporting charities that change lives.

“We’re grateful to every solicitor who gives their time to this campaign, and on behalf of our partner charities, I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to McEwan Fraser Legal and all the firms who participated this year.”

Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid’s campaign director, added: “This year’s Will Aid campaign has been another resounding success, thanks to the dedication of firms like McEwan Fraser Legal.

“Their generosity and commitment mean that more people can get the will they need while also supporting crucial charitable work. It’s wonderful to see such enthusiasm for giving back.”

Will Aid takes place every November and involves solicitors waiving the fee for writing a basic will and instead inviting clients to make an upfront donation to Will Aid.

The suggested donation for a basic single Will is £100, and £180 for a pair of mirror Wills. 

Donations are shared between Will Aid’s partner charities: Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, SCIAF and Trócaire.

To meet growing demand, Will Aid is always looking for more solicitors to take part. For more information, visit www.willaid.org.uk.

Can you help? Volunteers needed in Edinburgh this Armed Forces Day

Poppyscotland, working in partnership with Legion Scotland, are calling for volunteers to help man collection stations on the upcoming Armed Forces Day in Edinburgh.

Taking place on Saturday, June 28, volunteers are needed to help at Waverley or Haymarket train stations during timed slots over the course of that weekend (28th and 29th).

Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.

There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support, including making a donation to Poppyscotland to allow us to continue the valuable work we do in helping countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life. 

We even help with needs that have arisen long after someone has left the Armed Forces. Whenever, wherever support is needed, we are here.

If you would be interested in volunteering on Saturday, June 28 at Haymarket train station then please sign up now at https://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/AFDHaymarket

or

to volunteer on either Saturday, June 28 or Sunday, June 29, at Edinburgh Waverley station, please sign up at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/AFDWaverley.

For more information on Poppyscotland and how we can help, please visit, www.poppyscotland.org.uk

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Charities set for up to £5,000 funding from Scottish Building Society Foundation

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

The funding comes via the Scottish Building Society Foundation which awards individual grants of up to £5,000 to help an applicant’s cause.

To date the Foundation as granted over £150,000 to good causes across Scotland since it launched in 2023.

The grants were awarded to Very Inclusive Play Club, Forth Canoe Club, Ochil Trail Association, Bridgeton Community Learning Campus, The Birks Cinema Trust, Works+, Trossachs Tigers Hockey Club and Duntocher Village Hall whom all received donations to support their initiatives in their community.

The Very Inclusive Playgroup in Edinburgh offers an inclusive and compassionate community for families who have a child with additional support needs. Funding will allow expansion of its services to offer more of its structured groups for children under 5, which focus on specific areas in order to support development. 

Forth Canoe Club, in Edinburgh is a charity set up to encourage more public participation in sport. Funding from the Foundation will support the provision of access to canoeing for local children and their parents.

Ochil Tail Association operates various mountain bike and walking trails across Clackmannashire and will use its funding to support the maintenance of these paths for all users.

Bridgeton Community Learning in the East End of Glasgow will use its grant to further its work supporting local businesses and organisations based in Bridgeton.

The Birks Cinema Trust based in Aberfeldy will use its funding to support a programme of community activities designed to support social inclusion and enhance wellbeing.

Scottish Border’s based employment charity, Works+ will use the grant to support the work they do to help young people aged 16-24 get into work, further education or training. 

Trossachs Tigers Hockey Club based in Stirling will be using its grant funding to purchase new equipment and facility hire costs for children across rural Stirlingshire to encourage more kids to get into hockey.

Duntocher Village Hall will use its support to fund essential repair work to the hall’s wooden floor, ensuring it can reopen for community use once again.

Paul Denton, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Building Society said: “As we welcome members to our AGM this year, it feels fitting to celebrate the incredible work charities do in their local communities, and we are proud to support their efforts through this next round of funding.

 “The Scottish Building Society Foundation is designed to give back to communities and since it began it has supported good causes to make a difference right across Scotland, from Highlands to the Scottish Borders.

“All the charities and community organisations who have been successful in their applications have a fantastic cause and we look forward to seeing their positive work go further as a result of the funding they have received. By investing in good causes, we are building stronger communities.”

Scottish Building Society Foundation was established by Scottish Building Society in partnership with Foundation Scotland in May 2023 to align with the organisation’s 175th anniversary, with an initial £175,000 earmarked for local charities and good causes across Scotland.

Since then it has provided over £150,000 shared among 43 charities, with the latest funding coinciding with a successful year for the world’s oldest remaining building society.

In April the society revealed total assets rose by 17% in the last 12 months, seeing them double since 2020 to £866.5m, while its mortgage portfolio grew by 7% and retail savings balances rose by 20% – well above the market average.

Additionally, for the fifth consecutive time, Scottish Building Society was recognised as the ‘Best Building Society’ at the 2024 Scottish Mortgage Awards, with Mr Denton also receiving the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award.

Mr Denton said: “Over the past 12 months we’ve seen strong results driven by our commitment to the communities we serve, building loyalty and trust with our members to provide them with the services they need.

“As a mutual, we make decisions exclusively for the benefit of our members, not shareholders and today, that feels more important than ever.

“That’s why we continue to invest in relationship centres, passbook savings accounts, and a personal approach, while at the same time developing our digital tools to give members secure, convenient access to their accounts.”

For more information on the Scottish Building Society Foundation, visit: 

https://www.scottishbs.co.uk/scottish-building-society-foundation

Aldi Scotland’s Famous Supermarket Sweep is coming to Leith

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 Leith.   

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 2 June to Sunday 8 June.     

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 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/