charity support – Page 10 – The NEN

Return of the Elf Toddle Walk for children’s charity CHAS

One of Scotland’s largest shopping malls – The Centre, Livingston – has announced plans to run its ‘Elf Toddle Walk’ fundraising event again this year for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, (CHAS), on Sunday, 19^th November at 9am, following the success of the inaugural event last year.

Over 150 little elves took part last year dressed top to toe in elf outfits, and adults too, and completed a one-mile lap around The Centre, Livingston, led by Santa’s elves, raising over £5000 for the charity, which provides the country’s only hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

The charity has been providing full family support, including medical care and emotional support, for over 30 years and is committed to ensuring that no matter how short their time may be together, it is a time filled with happiness and fun.

To help get the toddlers on their way, there will be entertainment by acrobatic elves getting up to mischief and Christmas tunes by Go Radio’s afternoon presenter, Gina McKie and Floorfillerz presenter, Stevie Lennon, who will be joining in the fun, light warm up.

On completion of the walk, all children will receive a commemorative wooden keepsake medal and a Christmas treat.

Tickets for the event, which starts at 8.30am on Sunday, 19^th November are £5 per child, with all proceeds going to CHAS. Tickets can be booked at:

www.thecentrelivingston.com.

Once registered, a Christmas goody bag with a personal walk number and elf hat can be collected from the Customer Service Desk at The Centre, Livingston between the 31^st October and 18^th November, with proof of ticket, to enable participants to take part on the day.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “After the success of our first Elf Toddle Walk last year it made perfect sense to make this a firm fixture in the calendar every year.

“The atmosphere in the shopping centre at the event last year was fantastic – it really is such a great way for families to enjoy taking part in a fun-filled event together in the run up to Christmas whilst raising money for such a great charity at the same time.”

Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We at CHAS are absolutely delighted to join hands once again with The Centre, Livingston for the fundraising Elf Toddle Walk.

“It was a tremendous success last year, and we can’t wait to create even more wonderful memories this time around while also raising funds for the families we care for.

“Our goal is to make their time together, no matter how short, as joyful and memorable as possible, filled with love, laughter, and precious moments. We invite everyone to be a part of this heart-warming event.”

Dalkeith Country Park invites visitors to Make 2nds Count

Dalkeith Country Park raises funds for Edinburgh-based charity

Secondary breast cancer charity Make 2nds Count is set for a bumper Breast Cancer Awareness Month boost courtesy of the stunning Dalkeith Country Park.

The Edinburgh-based charity, which supports patients with secondary breast cancer, is Dalkeith Country Park’s chosen charity partner for 2023. They continue to benefit from a range of fundraising initiatives through The Park’s activities and the generosity of their visitors.

October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, provides the latest chance to support the work of Make 2nds Count, which raises awareness of, and funds research into, the little-known form of incurable cancer which claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK and is currently affecting 61,000 people.

On Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day (October 13), the iconic Orangerie at Dalkeith Country Park will also be lit up purple as part of the Make 2nds Count Shine a Light campaign, joining over 50 other UK venues that will be lighting up in the charity’s colours on this day.

The Parks’ popular Yellow Trail is turning Purple this October with special prompts designed to shine a light on the incredible work and support provided by Make 2nds Count – giving hope to those affected by secondary breast cancer.

The Yellow Trail Info:

Also known as The Wilderness Walk, the Yellow Trail is a relatively flat 2km route with a surface suitable for bikes and buggies. A series of easy loops that take in impressive views of St Mary’s Church and Dalkeith Palace, as well as a little wonder along River Esk. Approximately 20 minutes in length, the path takes visitors through the Restoration Yard where they can also pick up a range of refreshments.

Walkers will be encouraged to capture and share their time on the Make 2nds Count Trail on social media, to be in with a chance of winning a wellness hamper from Restoration Yard, The Park’s converted 18th-century stable yard.

Catriona Tanner, Marketing Manager for Dalkeith Country Park: “Make 2nds Count was chosen as our charity partner in recognition of the connection between Dalkeith Country Park and Karen Henderson, who was a dearly loved visitor.

“The tireless work that the charity does to support patients and families living with secondary breast cancer is outstanding, and we have been thrilled to be part of their efforts, particularly during this key moment of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count: “We rely heavily on fundraising and donations to help our community and we are thrilled that Dalkeith Country Park is supporting us.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time when we particularly focus on raising awareness and on education, so the fact that The Park is working with us to fulfil this mission as well as via fundraising is amazing. We are really grateful for their continued support.”

For more information on Make 2nds Count and their work, please visit:

https://make2ndscount.co.uk

To see more of their Shine a Light Campaign, please visit:

https://bcam.make2ndscount.co.uk

Scotmid Community Connect cash for local charities

Two Leith-based charities – Edinburgh Young Carers and The Junction – have secured a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.

The funds were allocated following a vote by Scotmid Members.

Edinburgh Young Carers has been awarded £15,000. The charity is a voluntary organisation that provides respite and support to young people between the ages of five and 25 who care for somebody at home.

It aims to improve the lives and wellbeing of young carers by raising awareness of the challenges they face and by offering emotional and practical support.

The Junction, which has secured £5,000, works with young people aged 12-21 across Leith and the North East of Edinburgh, offering access to a wide range of health-related services, education and information by providing a safe and welcoming environment.

The charity encourages social and economic inclusion and promotes long term health and wellbeing.

Margaret Murphy, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Young Carers, said: “We are over the moon to have been awarded £15,000.

“Young carers in Edinburgh face many challenges and responsibilities looking after their loved ones and this funding will provide new opportunities that they otherwise would not have.

“We are committed to offering young carers valuable respite and a place to grow their confidence and skills away from their caring responsibilities.”

The final good cause group in the East of Scotland to have been awarded £5,000 funding is Fairway Fife, a peer mentoring charity addressing the social isolation faced by most young adults with Learning Disabilities or Autism.

Keen to support local good causes? Pop into your local Scotmid and pay £1 to become a member.

Allied Vehicles £2k boost for Cyrenians

An Edinburgh-based homelessness charity will be able to continue running a ground-breaking initiative in the city for the next year after a four-figure donation from one of Scotland’s leading family firms.

Cyrenians approached the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust over concerns for the future of their Homeless Navigator Project, which helps homeless men and women in Edinburgh access and engage with the support they need to secure safe accommodation and get their lives back on track.

“We focus on prevention and reaching those at the edge of homelessness, as well as those in crisis and in recovery,” said the charity.

“Beyond providing direct support to those experiencing street homelessness, we work to prevent homelessness in the first place by alleviating poverty, tackling food insecurity and providing support to families and young people.”

The Homeless Navigator Project offers potentially life-changing support to around 80 homeless people in Edinburgh – a street-based initiative delivering street-based emotional and practical help.

Navigators meet people where they are and help them on a journey to where they want to be. They operate in pairs in the centre of Edinburgh three times a week and develop trust-based relationships with people who may have had past negative experiences with support services.

Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust – the charity arm of Allied Vehicles Group in Glasgow – gave the group £2,000 to continue the Homeless Navigator Project.

Calum Wright, Cyrenians fundraising coordinator, said: “The recently released homelessness figures make for grim reading, with rough sleeping on the rise across Scotland.

“Thanks to the generosity of funders like the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, our Homeless Navigator project will be able to respond to this rising need and continue to offer life-saving support to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“By offering a friendly face and building trusted professional relationships, our staff are able to work with those who are street homeless for as long as it takes for them to get their lives back on track.”

David Facenna, Allied Corporate Culture Director, added: “Behind the rising homelessness figures are real people who have fallen on hard times, many through no fault of their own.

“The Homeless Navigator Project is a novel way of trying to tackle it and I hope our donation will help Cyrenians keep it running over the next year.”

Cycle Kitchen: Edinburgh Tool Library receives boost from Scottish Building Society Foundation

A local charity has been awarded nearly £5,000 to combat transport poverty across the city. The Edinburgh Tool Library will benefit to the tune of £4,985 from the Scottish Building Society Foundation.

The project – Cycle Kitchen – will see the development of a series of cycle maintenance courses aimed at tackling transport poverty, promoting bicycle tool proficiency, and fostering self-reliance in the community.

The grant provided by the Scottish Building Society Foundation will be used to cover the training costs for three volunteers to obtain professional cycle mechanic certifications, as well as funding the purchase of workstation tools, training kits. Additionally, the funding will contribute to employing a project coordinator who will oversee volunteers, assist in course development and training, and organise community events to promote the course.

Scottish Building Society Foundation was established by Scottish Building Society in partnership with Foundation Scotland, which is designed to give back to Scottish communities.

Launched in May 2023 to align with the organisation’s 175^th anniversary, an incredible £175,000 will be granted to local charities, causes and organisations across Scotland.

The first phase of funding attracted 44 applications from across 11 local authority areas of Scotland, with nine successful applicants chosen to receive individual grants of up to £5,000 to help their cause.

Paul Denton, CEO at Scottish Building Society, said: “As part of our 175th anniversary celebrations, we wanted to mark the occasion with an incentive that upholds our core value of giving back to the communities.

“Edinburgh Tool Library’s Cycle Kitchen is a fantastic cause and it’s great to see it being supported by the Scottish Building Society Foundation with funding.

“In the first round, we’re encouraged at the volume of interest from a variety of inspiring community groups and charities across Scotland and look forward to seeing how they use the funding to make positive impact. With the second round, we hope to see this go even further.

“The Scottish Building Society Foundation whilst in its infancy, we hope will make a big difference to many people across the country and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Foundation Scotland to grow the incentive in the years ahead.

“By investing in good causes, we are building stronger communities.”

Thomas Bartels, Project Coordinator at Edinburgh Tool Library, said: “Bringing Cycle Kitchen to life allows us to empower individuals seeking equality in transportation options. We’re here to facilitate those who may be curious about cycling as a means of transportation but are uncertain about bike maintenance.

“Most importantly, for those looking for more affordable and sustainable alternatives to public transport or car ownership, Cycle Kitchen offers a chance to experience a free and health-conscious mode of travel from point A to B.”

For more information on the Scottish Building Society Foundation or to make an application, visit: https://www.scottishbs.co.uk/scottish-building-society-foundation

Johnston Carmichael team set to take on Edinburgh Kiltwalk to support future generation

A 26-strong team from Johnston Carmichael, including ten graduates from the Audit team, will lace up their boots tomorrow for Kiltwalk, Scotland’s favourite mass participation charity event, to raise funds for Children 1^st.

With a culture of investing in its people, and inspiring leaders and future leaders, the firm is also committed to supporting the communities in which its 850-plus people work and live and through Kiltwalk it has raised over £45,000 to date for numerous charities across Scotland.

The accountancy and business advisory firm has been a gold sponsor of the Kiltwalk, which takes place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen, for 7 years. In addition to each office nominating a local charity, the firm encourages its people to select a charity close to their hearts.

Audit Partner Grant Roger and his family have chosen to support LGBT Youth Scotland as they take on the 15-mile Big Stroll from Musselburgh to Murrayfield Stadium at Sunday’s event.

Grant has completed the walk every year since joining the firm in 2017 and has supported different local charities each year, including STV Children’s Appeal, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, and Maggie’s Edinburgh. He believes it is important to give back to those less fortunate than himself and this year his three children, Ailsa, Katy, and Maeve, chose the charity.

Grant explains: “My kids have supported me over the years, coming along to cheer me on during the walk, and this year all three are old enough to take part in the longer walk.

They’ve been learning about equality in school, and they recognise that discrimination still exists toward young people within the LGBTQ+ community so they’ve decided that we should walk in aid of LGBT Youth Scotland.

“Walking for six or seven hours is not a lot in the grand scheme of things and the money I have raised over the years goes towards helping people who may be struggling or those who are in a less fortunate position than we are as a family.”

LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for LGBTQ+ young people and works with 13–25-year-olds across the country to support them to flourish and thrive in all aspects of their lives through the provision of youth work and supporting LGBTQ+ young people to use their voice and create change.

Nurturing, celebrating, and developing the individuality of its people, is integral to the culture at Johnston Carmichael and this goes beyond the company and into the communities where it works.

The firm aims to raise the aspirations and achievements of young people and it recently announced a partnership with Netball Scotland, to strengthen the reach and profile of netball in Scotland and engage a lost generation of players, particularly girls, who missed out on the sport due to the pandemic.

Supporting Netball Scotland and sponsoring Kiltwalk is part of the firm’s ambition to leave a legacy for future generations and this goes beyond fundraising. Events like Kiltwalk bring people from different stages of their careers together, which helps build camaraderie.

Grant said: “Since I joined Johnston Carmichael, I’ve always felt it was important to take part because the Kiltwalk is great for team building and I encourage our young graduates to get involved too.

“It’s a good way to meet and bring many people from across the company together at different levels of seniority, allowing junior and more experienced team members to do something challenging together.”

To sponsor Grant and his family and support LGBT Youth Scotland click here.

Sight Loss fundraisers to take on Edinburgh Kiltwalk Challenge

Two fundraisers with sight loss are taking on a 14-mile sponsored walk in tartan, this Sunday, September 17^th.

The Kiltwalk is an annual multi-city event allowing anyone to raise funds for the charities and causes they care about. Shona Black (58) and Daryl Stewart (21) will be embarking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to raise funds for RNIB. It’s a cause that’s so important to them and over 180,000 other people who have sight loss in Scotland, as well as their families and friends.

The pair are up for a challenge, however, as they are not only participating in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, but they have already taken part in the previous three events taking place across the year, in Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen.

Their year-long Kiltwalk journey finishes with a 14-mile grand finale in Scotland’s capital.

Both long-time volunteers, Shona has been severely sight impaired (blind) for most of her adult life, and Daryl is partially sighted.

Shona says: “We are especially looking forward to Edinburgh as it’s our last Kiltwalk of the year. We have our fingers crossed for good weather and some other members of the sight loss community will be joining us too.

“Afterwards Daryl and I have promised ourselves we are going for a well-earned drink or two!”

All funds raised by Shona and Daryl will go towards helping RNIB to offer practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers.

* You can support Shona and Daryl’s Kiltwalk here:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Shona-Black4

Big Hearts break records as they raise £21,115 at annual fundraising Gala

Big Hearts, the official charity of Heart of Midlothian FC, raised £21,115 at the Big Hearts Gala at Tynecastle on Saturday 9 September.

The Big Hearts Gala is one of the biggest fundraising events in the charity’s calendar, and this year they have raised more than ever before, with all money going towards helping them to support people in their community.

The amount raised at this year’s Gala is double the amount of than last year.

Guests at the glittering event got a valuable insight into Big Hearts’ vital work across the community.

They learned about the That’s Me! group, which aims to make a positive impact on teenagers and young adults, aged 12 to 18, who could benefit from wellbeing support.

On top of this, guests were in the presence of legends as Paul Hartley, Darren Barr and Mark de Vries were all present in the Gorgie Suite as guest speakers.

The Big Hearts Gala is a celebration of the power of the club’s badge in changing lives in communities across south west Edinburgh.

As well as the funds raised from over 250 tickets sold, there were live and silent auctions, in which signed Hearts shirts, golf days and hotel stays were auctioned.

Craig Wilson, CEO at Big Hearts, said: “We are over the moon to have raised £21,115 at the Big Hearts Gala this year.

“It is one of our biggest fundraising efforts and I’m grateful to everyone who bought tickets and took part in our auctions.

“The money raised will go a long way in our mission to help improve the lives of people in our community.”

Fans at the Gala were delighted to meet three Hearts legends. Brian Chapman shared shared his excitement after hearing some of their stories.

“I am too young to have seen Mark de Vries play, but I was lucky enough to see Paul Hartley play. It was a really good moment to get a picture with him and actually see him in-front of my own eyes.

“I took part in the Hampden to Tynecastle charity walk and, along with three friends, raised £2500 for Big Hearts. I am here tonight to continue to show support after that.

“The charity does a lot of good work, and as we’ve heard tonight, poverty in Gorgie is among the highest in Edinburgh.”

Mark de Vries is fondly remembered by Hearts fans for his four goals on his debut against Hibs. He was glad to be back in Gorgie.

“It has been great to be back in Edinburgh and back at Tynecastle” he said.

“I loved my time here, so it has been an honour to come back as a guest of Big Hearts.

“I have been made to feel so welcome and it has been amazing to learn about the work of Big Hearts.”

Big Hearts is the only non-profit organisation based at the home of Heart of Midlothian FC.

The charity delivers free activities for adults and children to improve outcomes around mental health, social isolation and promote equal opportunities.

It costs Big Hearts over £600,000 each year to build and deliver programmes and services to the communities living in the surroundings of Tynecastle Park, one of the most disadvantaged wards of Edinburgh.

Scotmid colleagues across Edinburgh help raise £295,000 for Guide Dogs

Scotmid colleagues across Edinburgh have helped raise an incredible total of £295,000 for Guide Dogs following the retailer’s year-long charity partnership.

The money raised will help support people across Edinburgh living with sight loss by training two Guide Dog Mobility Specialists and three Habilitation Specialists, as well as setting a whole litter of puppies off on their journey to become future life-changers for people affected by sight loss in our community.

[Pictured L-R: Shirley MacGillivray, Scotmid, Kyla McVicar & Bruce, Guide Dogs, John Brodie, Scotmid, Aileen Murphy & Breeze, Guide Dogs, Linda Jordan, Guide Dogs, Norrie Bainbridge & Kano, Guide Dogs, Jim Watson, Scotmid]

Scotmid and Guide Dogs are celebrating their paw-sitively perfect charity partnership, which has raised £295,000 to support people across Edinburgh living with sight loss

Scotmid colleagues, customers and members in Edinburgh have taken the lead in fundraising for the community retailer’s barkingly brilliant charity companion. Funds have been raised through a range of activities, including in-store raffles, physical challenges, bingo nights, and community events

The funds raised will make a significant difference by training two Guide Dog Mobility Specialists and three Habilitation Specialists, as well as setting a whole litter of puppies off on their journey to become future life-changers for people affected by sight loss in local communities

The success of the charity partnership is testament to the impact that collective efforts can achieve. Through the generosity and dedication of Scotmid and its supporters, countless lives will be positively transformed.

Amazon support for Curly Star Dream Foundation

The Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline has made a £1,000 donation to a suicide and bereavement support charity in Fife.

The Curly Star Dream Foundation was set up by the family of Candice Easton, who sadly died by suicide in 2005. The charity supports those who are suffering from suicidal thoughts, or those who have lost someone to suicide, by hosting mental health advice workshops.

The donation will be put towards a future project, working with staff and pupils in local primary schools.

Speaking on the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “The Curly Star Dream Foundation is an amazing charity that provides essential support to grieving families and to those who are suffering from mental health problems.

“I am glad that we can make this donation to support its work.”

Jackie Easton, Chair of The Curly Star Dream Foundation, said: “I would like to say thank you to Jamie and the Amazon team in Dunfermline for this donation.

“This support will allow us to continue providing vital support to those who are struggling with their mental health or are grieving the loss of a loved one.”

The donation to The Curly Star Dream Foundation was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK.