Aldi Scotland’s much-loved Supermarket Sweep challenge has been all over Scotland this year, and after being chosen to take part in the gameshow inspired activity, a lucky local winner has raised £809.18 for a foodbank of their choosing, while picking up £404.59 in Aldi favourites for herself.
The lucky sweeper, Laura Robertson, was selected from thousands of applicants as part of a competition at this year’s Royal Highland Show. She selected Aldi’s Chesser store to take part in the five-minute trolley dash on Tuesday 13 August.
As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Laurasuccessfully found the hidden inflatable in store, meaning Aldi Scotland doubled the total value of her haul and donated the lump sum to her nominated charity, The Salvation Army.
Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Laura Robertson said:“The Supermarket Sweep was a brilliant experience. I had so much fun running around the store with my husband and Aldi staff cheering me on.
“It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be, and the time goes by so quickly, but it’s an experience I’ll remember forever. I’m so glad I was able to raise so much money for my local foodbank, as it will help so many people in need.”
Elizabeth Young, Community Programme Coordinator, The Salvation Army, said:“I would like to say a massive thank you to Aldi for the substantial donation to our foodbank.
“Life is very tough for lots of the people visiting our foodbank, and this donation will go a long way to help us provide food parcels and spread a little love and kindness through this generosity.”
Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We know that the Aldi Supermarket Sweep is a firm favourite with shoppers across the country, so we were delighted to bring it back for another year.
“Congratulations to Laura who managed to raise an incredible £809.18 for The Salvation Army and snap up a whole load of Aldi treats for herself.”
The kits of essentials are being distributed by The Big House Multibank, backed by Gordon Brown and Amazon
Employees from Amazon in Edinburgh have come together to pack and donate 2,500 backpacks filled with essential back-to-school items worth more than £30,000 to help ensure local children are equipped for the new school year.
The backpacks which contain essential items for pupils returning to school this month, including stationary suppliers, water bottles, and scientific calculators for secondary pupils, were donated to The Big House Multibank which distributes essential items to families in need across in Fife, Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth.
Kirsty Thomson, Chief Executive of The Big House Multibank, said: “The start of a new school year should be an exciting time for families but with the cost of living crippling so many in our communities, it’s become yet another financial worry for them.
“Through the donation of these back-to-school essentials from Amazon, The Big House Multibank hopes to provide children with the quality items they need to start the new school year ready to learn and with a smile on their faces.”
Adele Morgan, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline who took part in the kit packing, said: “I had a great time packing the kits alongside my team.
“It’s a very rewarding feeling when we deliver the kits and see the difference it will make to children and families across Fife and beyond. Thank you, Amazon, for this opportunity!”
The Big House Multibank in Kirkaldy was founded in 2022 by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Amazon and The Cottage Family Centre, together with local businesses and suppliers.
It provides surplus essentials, such as hygiene products, household essentials, school uniforms, and bedding donated by businesses, like Amazon, directly to those in need. Since launch, it has helped to distribute 2.2 million donated products to households in need across East Scotland.
LIDL LAUNCHES 1,000 ‘MYSTERY BOXES’ EACH WORTH OVER £100
The supermarket is launching its first ever series of ‘Mystery Boxes’, packed full of characteristically random Middle of Lidl items for just £20
Fans will be able to get their hands on a wide selection of cult items, collectively worth over £100, from ukuleles to sandwich toasters and swimming goggles
Of the 1,000 limited edition boxes up for grabs, 50 lucky shoppers will also receive a high-value bonus item worth up to £199; anything from a swimming pool, to a dehumidifier, lawnmower or even a paddle board!
The Lidl Mystery Box will be available to purchase for £20 from 10am Thursday 15th August via www.lidlmysterybox.co.uk – but be quick!
The secret is out – Lidl is launching its first ever series of ‘Mystery Boxes’, each stuffed full of weird and wonderful ‘Middle of Lidl’ items, from coffee machines, ukuleles, goggles, crochet kits, massage guns and more!
Worth over £100 each, the launch will see just 1,000 limited edition boxes up for grabs, priced at just £20 each. The question is, what will be inside the box?
For 50 lucky dippers, a shiny Bonus Item Coupon will be hidden inside, unlocking a bigger bonus item worth up to a whopping £199. Coupon holders could receive anything from a Grillmeister 2-Burner Gas Barbeque to a Tower Air Fryer 5 in 1 Smokeless Grill, a Livarno Garden Furniture Set or even an Inflatable All-Round Stand-Up Paddle Board – so run don’t walk!
With Mystery Boxes bursting on to the scene with brands such as Candy Kittens* and Nike** jumping on the trend, the launch of the Lidl Mystery Box is a celebration of the beloved cult classic ‘Middle of Lidl’ which regularly grips the nation’s attention with its unpredictable product offering.
They have recently gained significant traction online, with #MysteryBoxes trending on social media with a whopping 175.9M posts***. Shoppers are clearly looking to add some additional Middle Aisle pizzazz to their shopping sprees, and Lidl’s latest drop provides just that.
In true ‘Middle of Lidl’ fashion, each box presents different surprises; fans could receive a Silvercrest Slushie Maker in one, whilst in another, shoppers could channel their inner Arnold Schwarzenegger and get DIY savvy with Parkside Spanners, or even learn a few chords with a Clifton Ukulele. Each box is a mystery just waiting to be solved…
Hopeful mystery-solvers can head to www.lidlmysterybox.co.ukto purchase one of the 1,000 Lidl Mystery Boxes from 10am Thursday 15th August for just £20 – available while stocks last.
All proceeds of the Mystery Boxes will be donated to the NSPCC.
Sixth annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit brings the total amount raised for The Brain Tumour Charity to over £138,000
Comedy starsDara Ó Briain, Milton Jones, Rose Matafeo, Angela Barnes, Ian Smith, Carl Donnelly, Kanan Gill, Amy Gledhill, Takashi Wakasugi and James Roque came together last night (Tuesday 13th August) in support of a special charity benefit at McEwan Hall.
The one-night-only show returned for its sixth year to raise money for TheBrain Tumour Charity – the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.
It has been announced today {Wednesday 14th Aug] that the 2024 Underbelly Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised almost £15,000. (UPDATE -Thursday 15th: That total has risen to £28,000!) All the money raised will go to The Brain Tumour Charity – a cause which is very close to Underbelly’s heart. The annual show was inspired by seven-year-old Alfie Bartlam, son of Underbelly Director Ed and his wife Lucinda, who died of a brain tumour in 2019.
100% of the ticket income goes straight to The Brain Tumour Charity. This and an additional £1,541 in donations brought thetotal raised on the night to £14,428.
Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder, said: “A huge thank you to the amazing performers from last night, to the incredible audience members, and to everyone who contributed through our JustGiving page. Your support means so much to us.
“Underbelly is so proud to have raised £14,428 from last night’s show, with all box office income going directly to The Brain Tumour Charity and our specific fund to support an incredibly exciting paediatric brain tumour research and treatment project. Our goal is to raise £1.5 million by 2025 for this project.
“We’re doing this through a range of fundraising events and this annual Fringe show is an important part of that.”
Hannah Bowler, Corporate Partnership Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are so proud to partner with Underbelly for the 6th Big Brain Tumour Benefit and are grateful for their continued support and loyalty.
“The event is a much-loved part of the fringe, and it is wonderful to see the support received from the comedians, audience members and the brilliant Underbelly team.
“Partnerships like these are so important in helping us raise vital funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of a brain tumour. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 and they reduce life expectancy by 27 years, the highest of any cancer and this must change.
“The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts with a goal of doubling survival rates and halving the harm that brain tumours have on the quality of life – and it is only through the support from so many people like Ed, Charlie and the brilliant Underbelly team that we can strive towards those goals.
“It’s fantastic that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit has returned this year and has been able to raise £14,428. Thank you all for your incredible support.”
Research into brain tumours is severely underfunded in the UK and yet represents the biggest cancer killer for under 40s.
Around 500 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed each year but diagnosis times of childhood brain tumours are longer in the UK than in many other countries.
To further support the Brain Tumour Charity, please visit its Better Safe Than Tumour campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of a brain tumour to improve early diagnosis times.
Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit is a one-night-only show. For more information on the wider programme for the remainder of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, please visit the website here.
Tuesday 13 August, 7.20pm at McEwan Hall, Underbelly Bristo Square
So far, Underbelly has raised over £110,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity from these benefits alone, including nearly £20,000 at the last Fringe benefit in 2023.
Dara Ó Briain, Milton Jones, Rose Matafeo, Angela Barnes, Ian Smith, Carl Donnelly, Kanan Gill, Amy Gledhillare confirmed to appear in this year’s show with more guests to be announced soon.
The show was created by Underbelly in 2017 following the diagnosis of an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer called Ependymoma in Alfie Bartlam, the son of Underbelly’s co-founder Ed Bartlam. Alfie sadly died, aged 7, in August 2019.
Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adults under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is more underfunded compared to many other cancers.
Underbelly has today (9th August) announced its much-anticipated line-up for the sixth annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit in the majestic McEwan Hall. 100% of the box office income is being donated directly to The Brain Tumour Charity, the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.
Starring in this year’s show will be:
Irish comedy legend Dara Ó Briain
King of the one-liners Milton Jones
Kiwi Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner and tv actress Rose Matafeo
UK tv star and stand up comedian Angela Barnes
2023 Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee and BBC Radio 4’s Ian Smith
Indian comedy super star Kanan Gill
Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Amy Gledhill
And our MC will be Fringe favourite Carl Donnelly
All money raised via ticket sales and in donations on the night goes to The Brain Tumour Charity – a cause which is very close to Underbelly’s heart. Co-Founder of Underbelly, Ed Bartlam’s, son Alfie was just 4 years old when he was diagnosed with a form of aggressive brain cancer in 2016 and sadly died three days after the end of the Fringe in 2019.
Research into brain tumours is significantly underfunded in the UK compared to other cancers, despite being the leading cancer killer for those under 40. Each year, over 11,400 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour – meaning 31 families face the devastation of this diagnosis every day.
Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “I’m delighted that we are announcing another superb line up for Underbelly’s sixthBig Brain Tumour Benefit show at the Edinburgh Fringe.
“We have raised over £110,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity since our first show in 2017, and we cannot thank both the comedians and the audiences enough for their support so far.
“My wife and I are raising £1.5M for the charity to fund a specific paediatric brain tumour research and new treatment project based in Cambridge.
“We’re doing this through a range of fundraising events and this annual Fringe show is a vital part of that. Call me biased, but this show is an amazing evening of comedy for the very best of causes. So please buy a ticket!”
Hannah Bowler, Corporate Partnership Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are thrilled that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit comedy gig is returning this year, for its sixth show, and we are incredibly grateful for our amazing partners, Underbelly, for their ongoing support in raising crucial funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of brain tumours.
“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts.
“We can only work towards our goal of helping people with a brain tumour live longer and better lives with the support from people like Ed, Charlie and the truly incredible Underbelly team.”
To book tickets for Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit, please visit:
The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust (AVCT) is pleased to announce a donation of £3,000 to Rock Trust, Scotland’s dedicated youth homelessness charity.
This funding will support Rock Trust’s efforts to expand their services, including increasing housing provision and introducing their innovative Youth Housing Hub model to Glasgow for the first time.
Rock Trust was formed in 1990 after the discovery that young homeless people had been sleeping rough in the graveyard of St. Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh, and since then has grown its operation into Glasgow, the Lothians, Perth and Fife, and is committed to ending youth homelessness.
In 2023 alone, the organization helped over 1,100 young people to avoid, or move on from, homelessness; like Danny, who came to Rock Trust at the age of 16.
Danny was living at home with his mum. Their relationship was troubled to the extent that his aunt had referred him to Rock Trust in the hope that their Early Intervention Programme might improve their relationship through 1-to-1 counselling.
But when an argument between Danny and his mum eventually turned violent, it became clear that he was no longer safe. Rock Trust were quickly able to move him into a shared flat with other young people and a supportive flatmate.
Danny’s support worker has helped him to access financial support and explore his potential. He has started going to art therapy and has completed an external employability course.
At 16, Danny didn’t just need a home, he needed help to process everything that had happened to him, help to discover his potential, guidance on developing essential life skills, and ultimately help to make the transition to adulthood.
Speaking of his experience with Rock Trust, Danny said, “I am more free, I’m happier, and I’m treated like an actual person. I’ve been given opportunities to do stuff and meet new people.
“I think I’m a better person, less antisocial. A lot of bad stuff would have happened if I didn’t have the Rock Trust. I’ve even got a better relationship with my mum now we don’t live together.”
The charity focuses on three strategic pillars: prioritizing prevention, increasing housing availability, and ensuring a focus on future opportunities for young people.
Calum Wright, Trusts and Grants Fundraising Lead at Rock Trust, highlighted the urgency of their work: “Scotland is facing a housing emergency which is disproportionately affecting our young people.
“At Rock Trust, we believe that accommodation, support, education, and employment are the best routes off the streets and away from the misery that accompanies homelessness.
“Thanks to supporters like the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, we can help more young people avoid, survive, and move on from homelessness for good.”
This donation from the AVCT will play a crucial role in Rock Trust’s mission to combat youth homelessness amid rising costs, cuts in statutory funding, and an increasingly competitive fundraising environment.
David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, expressed his support, stating: “Homelessness is a heartbreakingly real prospect for many young people and a frightening reality for others.
“We are proud to support Rock Trust in their vital work to provide immediate and effective assistance to those in need and to help them build a stable future.
Our contribution aims to ensure that more young people have access to safe housing and essential ongoing support to rebuild and lead healthy, independent lives.”
THOUSANDS OF DISCOUNTED TICKETS WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR WAVERLEY CARE FOR 24 HOURS ONLY
It’s time to paint the town pink once more as Gilded Balloon, one of Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s longest-running venues, kicks off their legendary Pink Wednesday – a 24 hour charity day with £5 tickets for some of the Fringe’s most in-demand shows.
Gilded Balloon’s staff, performers and customers join together to don their best pink outfits and fundraise for this year’s charity partner Waverley Care, all whilst enjoying discounted tickets for Fringe shows, fancy dress, competition prizes and more.
With 130 shows across two venues in 2024, Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland, fans can snap up £5 tickets for comedy, theatre, family, cabaret and more, with a percentage of ticket sales donated directly to Waverley Care, Scotland’s leading HIV and hepatitis C charity.
Acts raising funds for Waverley Care include Jack Docherty in The Chief – No Apologies, Martin Brock, Juliette Burton, Hypnotist Matt Hale, Chris Hall, Pop Off, Michelangelo, Grace Campbell and more, with £5 tickets available for these shows via Gilded Baloon’s box offices and websites.
Visit tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk to view all shows offering £5 tickets today across family, comedy, cabaret, theatre, magic and more.
Ts&Cs: £5 plus handling fees. Tickets to participating shows only, whilst stocks last
Traditionally nicknamed ‘Black Wednesday’ and known as a day of slower ticket sales across the Fringe, Gilded Balloon introduced Pink Wednesday in 2018 to encourage locals and Fringe fans to take a chance on a new show and enjoy discounted tickets, all whilst raising vital funds for charity.
Each £5 ticket sold will see money donated to Waverley Care, as well as charity staff fundraising throughout the day with bucket collections, QR codes and information points.
Waverley Care was founded in 1989 in response to the HIV epidemic in Edinburgh, the charity now focuses on ending new HIV transmission in Scotland by 2030, while continuing to support people and communities affected by HIV, hepatitis C and sexual health inequalities.
Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon said: “It’s officially time to paint the town pink again as we launch £5 tickets for one day only, in support of the wonderful Waverley Care.
“Pink Wednesday is a chance for acts, customers and staff to join together and raise money for charity, support our brilliant artists and see some fantastic shows for only £5. It’s a great opportunity to take a chance on something new and buy a ticket for a show you haven’t heard of before, and maybe discover your new favourite comedian!
“We’re thrilled to see so many acts opt in to support Waverley Care by donating a percentage of their ticket sales for today to the charity, as they do unparalleled and vitally important work across Scotland. We hope everyone embraces the Pink Wednesday spirit, dons their best pink outfits today and comes down to get involved!”
Grant Sugden, Chief Executive, Waverley Care said: “Waverley Care is delighted to be chosen as Gilded Balloon’s charity partner for this year’s Pink Wednesday event. This collaboration is an incredible opportunity to tackle HIV stigma and raise vital funds.
“Scotland is on the verge of becoming one of the first countries to achieve zero new HIV transmission. To reach this goal, we need more people to get tested, to improve access to HIV prevention medication Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and to end harmful HIV stigma.
“We look forward to engaging with people attending shows, sharing our mission to end new HIV transmission by 2030, and raising money to support those affected by HIV and hepatitis C across Scotland.”
Waverley Care is Scotland’s leading HIV and hepatitis C charity, and everything they do is guided by the experiences of the people they work with – this ranges from shaping the services they deliver through to how they influence national policy around sexual health and blood-borne viruses (BBVs).
Waverley Care’s vision is a Scotland where anyone living with or at risk of HIV can expect to be treated with acceptance, support and respect. Find out more information and support Waverley Care – www.waverleycare.org
With over 130 shows across two venues including Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland, Gilded Balloon’s programme covers comedy, theatre, magic, kids shows and much more.
An Edinburgh primary school teacher, who lives with a brain injury and epilepsy, has completed a 1000-mile mission to raise funds for a disabled children’s charity.
Milo Trainor Moss (28), who also has a cardiac implanted device after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest in 2020, has spent the last four weeks completing the adventurous solo cycle across northern Europe to support The Yard, his mother’s place of work.
Milo cycled 500 miles from Gothenburg to Hamburg and then another 500 miles via Amsterdam and Newcastle. His Dad Richard buddied him on the final leg of his cycle back into Edinburgh, arriving at The Yard together on Friday 2 August.
Smashing his fundraising target of £1,000, £1 per mile, Milo has since raised over £1500 bolstered by the generosity of Richard’s employer, Natwest, which will donate an additional £500 through its Community Cashback Scheme.
Milo said, “I’ve been acutely aware of The Yard’s impact for many years but since becoming a primary school teacher, the difference the charity makes has come into sharper focus.
“I saw the summer holiday as the ideal opportunity to use my cycle challenge to help The Yard do more of what they do best, supporting young people with disabilities and additional needs, and their families.
“There’s no doubt that I had to consider my limitations and plan the route around my health challenges, but it was otherwise just a case of getting on with it and powering on. Arriving back at The Yard and being reminded of how amazing a place it is made it all worthwhile.”
Katrina Trainor, his mum, who has been The Yard’s Edinburgh receptionist for 10 years added, “To say we are proud of Milo is a huge understatement. He is one in a million in so many ways.
“Milo was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of eight and lives with a hypoxic brain injury but otherwise gets on with life and is always pushing himself to do more. He’s loved this latest adventure and the freedom he’s had along the way.
“While facing his own health difficulties, he’s so resilient and always moving forward. In many ways, he is the embodiment of The Yard.
“His cycle challenge has been brilliant for The Yard but also wonderful for Milo – we are exceptionally proud!”
Her pride is echoed by Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer of The Yard, who said, “We are incredibly grateful that Milo chose to embark on this epic endeavour for The Yard.
“As well as raising a significant sum for our charity, which will allow the young people we support to enjoy their own adventures, his journey will inspire countless other young people and show that, even in the face of adversity, we can always strive for more and make a difference to others.
Comedy troupe Biscuit Barrel kicked off their Edinburgh food bank fundraiser with a twist this week when members donned biscuit costumes and packed emergency food parcels at the Edinburgh Food Project warehouse.
Their Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Not Another 69-Sketch Show’ runs from 31 July – 26 August at the Gilded Balloon, and will help to support seven local food banks.
Audiences can contribute to the Edinburgh Food Project thanks to post-performance bucket collections and make a real difference to those struggling to afford the essentials.
St Andrews First Aid, Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity, has been awarded a £28,000 lifeline from leading Scottish convenience retailer, Scotmid.
The funding has been used to purchase new uniforms for staff and volunteers across Scotland, including those located in Edinburgh, who provide life-saving training and emergency response services.
Stuart Callison, CEO at St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Scotmid’s generous donation means we can purchase more uniforms that will help to enhance our visibility and identity when we cover events or provide public demonstrations.
We are extremely grateful to Scotmid for this support and continued partnership in helping us achieve our mission of making Scotland a safer place for all.”
Lynne Ogg, Scotmid Membership & Communities Manager, added: “The work that St Andrew’s First Aid delivers in communities across Scotland is invaluable and we are proud to continue supporting such a worthy charity.
“The funding will assist the organisation in ensuring its dedicated volunteers are easily identifiable and bring peace of mind to the general public when attending events.”
St Andrew’s First Aid provides vital first aid and mental first aid courses and actively promotes first aid education in schools and communities. Its mission is rooted in the belief that no one should suffer or lose their life due to a lack of first aid assistance.
