charity support – Page 10 – The NEN

Scotmid support for Community Connect projects

CHARITY CASH BOOST FOR DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

Three good causes across Edinburgh have been awarded a share of a £75,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid Co-operative’s Community Connect award scheme. The awards were decided by a vote of Scotmid Members.

The recipients secured the funding after being shortlisted by the community retailer to receive the lifeline financial support, helping them to continue delivering their vital work.

Upward Mobility (Upmo) received a £15,000 award, with Drylaw Telford Community Association and Beacon Club – Space & Broomhouse Hub each receiving £5,000.

Drylaw Telford Community Association, based in Northwest Edinburgh, Children, young people, adults, older people, and families are offered a varied programme of activities and The Centre is an integral asset to the local community.

One of their key projects is to provide safe and suitable activities for adults and older people suffering from loneliness and social isolation with over 150 members meeting weekly to enjoy a chat, warm refreshments, and activities.

They are supported by a dedicated worker and funding from Scotmid would be used to for activities, transport to the Centre and help with support worker costs.

Beacon Club – Space & Broomhouse Hub is based in Southwest of Edinburgh run The Beacon Club, which provide support for people suffering from Dementia. Due to an increase in demand for their services and despite opening a second facility they still have a waiting list for people to join.

Open 7 days a week, members take part in activities, enjoy a nutritious homecooked lunch and have a safe place to socialise whilst giving their carers some vital respite. Funding from Scotmid would be used for outings, events, reminiscence activities and cover volunteer costs allowing members to live life to the full.

Upward Mobility (Upmo) strive to create a more inclusive society across Edinburgh & The Lothians by supporting adults & young people who live with physical or learning disabilities, Autism or have complex healthcare needs.

They offer the students tailored support services and learning opportunities and their Outdoor Learning Project is based within Jock Tamson’s Gairden in Duddingston, where students learn to grow veg, fruit and flowers.

Funding from Scotmid will be used to build raised beds, wider accessible pathways, purchase suitable tools & equipment and help with the cost of staffing the outdoor project.

Each year, Scotmid Members vote to award a share of £150,000 Community Connect funding to six shortlisted Scottish good causes.

Left to right: Martin Hinds (Drylaw Telford Community Association), Faith Nicholson and Claire Farquhar (Upmo), Nancy Bryson and Lyn Glen (Space & Broomhouse Hub)]

Gorgie shopper scoops over £1000 for local foodbank in Aldi Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland’s popular Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Gorgie, and lucky local winner has raised £1,210.98 for a foodbank of their choosing, while picking up £605 in Aldi favourites for herself.

Aldi’s popular gameshow inspired Supermarket Sweep arrived in Gorgie and lucky shopper Maryanne who was chosen as the winner of an in-store competition, took part in the five-minute trolley dash for charity on Sunday 9^th of April.

As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Maryanne successfully 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, Maryanne Fitzpatrick, said: “The Aldi supermarket sweep was an amazing experience, and I am glad the Salvation Army have received an amazing amount of money from it.”

Elizabeth Young, Community Project Coordinator at The Salvation Army, said: “Over the past few months we have seen the need for our foodbank continuing to grow at an alarming rate.

“So much so, that on top of the very generous donations received from church members, members of the general public, schools, corporate groups and supermarket permanent collection points, we find ourselves having to spend hundreds of pounds nearly every week buying food to top up our food parcels.

“So, you can imagine how pleased we were to hear that we had been selected to benefit from the supermarket sweep at the Gorgie branch of Aldi close to our foodbank. Then to our great surprise, we were informed that Aldi were going to double the amount of the trolley dash, resulting in a donation to us of £1,210!

“I would like to thank Aldi for this very generous donation and to your customer who chose our foodbank to benefit from the donation. This will help us to continue giving out food parcels to those who are finding life difficult now and enable us to show a love and kindness to them.”

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “We are proud that the Aldi Supermarket Sweep is a firm favourite across the country, and we are so pleased to bring it back this year.

“Congratulations to Maryanne who managed to raise an incredible £1,210.98 for The Salvation Army and snap up a whole load of Aldi treats for herself.”

Scottish Charities share in almost £1.2 million funding boost from ScottishPower Foundation

TWELVE Scottish charities have been awarded a funding boost from the ScottishPower Foundation.

THE charities from across the country will share in funding totalling almost £1.2 million for projects tackling a range of issues, from cost-of-living support, to promoting diversity and inclusion, raising awareness of the ongoing climate and biodiversity crises and addressing skills and attainment gaps in society.

The Earth Allies programme – an exciting project from the Glasgow Science Centre – is helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds learn about climate change and become climate advocates. Supported by funding from the ScottishPower Foundation, young people aged 16-24 will build their knowledge of climate change issues by taking part in activities that help them learn new skills like public speaking, online campaigning, and filmmaking.

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “The young people on the Earth Allies programme are the climate ambassadors of the future, so it’s amazing to see them gain the skills they’ll need to influence decision-makers and put protecting the planet in the spotlight.

“Projects like this are prime examples of how the ScottishPower Foundation’s support is helping to create a better future for the next generation, and why it’s important for us to recognise and boost the incredible work of charities across the UK.”

Sally White, Senior Community Learning Coordinator from Glasgow Science Centre, said: “At Glasgow Science Centre, we’re determined to reduce the barriers young people face in accessing climate education – particularly if they’re from a disadvantaged background, who may be most at risk as the world around them continues to change.

“A huge thanks to the ScottishPower Foundation for supporting the life-changing work that we do. Through our Earth Allies programme, we will ensure that those we support are given the opportunities to succeed.”

Among the other 2023 projects funded by the ScottishPower Foundation is Smart Works Scotland, which, in an expansion to its services, is continuing to support Black Minority Ethnic women across Scotland to develop the skills, confidence and self-belief they need to secure sustainable employment and gain financial independence.

The grant from the ScottishPower Foundation will help with the recruitment of a full-time outreach worker for the charity’s new Glasgow hub as it provides career advice, interview coaching and mentoring support to empower under-represented women in the workforce.

The Volunteer Tutor Organisation’s Learning Hub network – a key service supporting children living in poverty and affected by the attainment gap – is also supported by the Foundation’s funding in 2023. Following Covid, the highly impactful Hubs had to be suspended. Now, with the ScottishPower Foundation’s funding, the charity is set to reinstate 9 hubs, continue to run 14 hubs and launch five more to help vulnerable children to improve their academic attainment, confidence and self-esteem.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the ScottishPower Foundation has awarded over £12 million to charitable initiatives across the UK.

Melanie Hill added: “This is an incredibly exciting year for us, with so many amazing projects benefitting from our support and making a difference within their local communities.

“The real impact these initiatives will have for so many people can’t be understated, and I can’t wait to see what amazing work these charities will continue to do throughout the year.”

The full list of Scottish 2023 ScottishPower Foundation funded projects are:

· Dance Base – Forres, Livingston, Edinburgh

· Edinburgh Science Foundation – Edinburgh (above)

· Givin’ It Laldie – Glasgow

· Glasgow Science Centre – Glasgow

· Home-Start Falkirk – Falkirk

· Magic Breakfast – Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Greenock, Edinburgh

· Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) – Glasgow and Edinburgh

· Scottish Wildlife Trust – Ayrshire

· Smart Works Scotland – Glasgow

· Stable Life – Glasgow

· Trees for Life – Inverness

· Volunteer Tutors Organisation – Scottish Borders

Aldi support during Easter holidays

Aldi donated 391 meals to local good causes to help people in need over the Easter school holidays.

The supermarket’s stores across the UK have paired up with local charities, community groups and foodbanks through its partnership with community giving platform Neighbourly.

More than 550,000 meals were donated throughout the UK, with almost 2,000 UK causes benefitting from the initiative in total.

Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK, said: “We understand that the school holidays can be an especially challenging time for families, particularly amid the current cost-of-living crisis.

“Neighbourly carries out such vital work in the community, so we’re proud to be able to support them and the charities, foodbanks and community groups they work with in Midlothian in their efforts to support those who may be struggling.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “The impact of the cost-of-living crisis has intensified, meaning that the demand on foodbanks is continuing to increase, particularly during the school holidays.

“The donations from Aldi are a lifeline for many and provide the essential boost good causes need to continue supporting their local communities.”

Amazon Dunfermline Supports Three Local Charities

Three charities providing support for children and young people across Scotland have received donations totalling £1,500 from the team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline.

Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, UK Career Academy Foundation and Ronald McDonald House received £500 each following nominations for support from employees at the Amazon fulfilment centre.

Children’s Liver Disease Foundation provides information advising families and helping them to cope with living with liver disease. The charity also run events across the UK to help families and children affected by childhood liver disease connect with each other.

UK Career Academy Foundation encourages young people to realise their potential, regardless of the barriers they face in society.

Ronald McDonald House Glasgow offers a safe space for parents and carers next to the Royal Hospital for Children to allow them to remain close to a child undergoing treatment.

Speaking on the donations, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “We think very highly of the charitable organisations supporting children and their families through hard times, so it’s great to lend a helping hand to Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, UK Career Academy Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Glasgow.

“The work they do for children and families both across Scotland and locally is excellent, and we are pleased to support them with these donations.”

George Fleming, an employee at Amazon in Dunfermline, added: “The three charities we’re supporting put so much time and effort into their causes and it really shows.

“The care my family received at Ronald McDonald House Glasgow was excellent and I’m so pleased we can support the team with this donation.”

Lauren Coffey, from Ronald McDonald House Glasgow, added: “I would like to thank the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for their support with this donation. We aim to support families and children during such difficult times and as a fully self-funded House we couldn’t do it without help from the community.”

The donations to Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, UK Career Academy Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Glasgow were made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities around its operating locations across the UK.

Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger & Bread Street Kitchen fundraiser raises over £30,000 for SBH Scotland

Gordon Ramsay OBE has matched a £15,000 fundraising drive by diners at his Edinburgh restaurants to donate a total of £31,392 to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland.

In November and December 2022, Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Street Burger Edinburgh venues launched the GReat Donate to raise money for the specialist charity, by adding a £1 voluntary donation to diner’s bills and donating the proceeds from the launch day of Street Burger.

It has now been revealed the diner donations, combined with the proceeds from Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger’s launch day, amounted to an incredible £15,642. SBH Scotland Honorary Patron and long-standing supporter of the charity, Gordon Ramsay OBE, then matched the funds raised to give the charity an extra special funds boost.

The funds raised will help SBH Scotland provide vital support to over 4,000 children, young people and adults across Scotland who are affected by the lifelong, complex conditions of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.

A spokesperson for Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants said: “We are very proud of the special relationship we have built with SBH Scotland, and it has been amazing to see such enthusiasm from kind-hearted diners in Edinburgh and beyond to support the GReat Donate.

“We’d like to thoroughly thank everyone who visited Street Burger and Bread Street Kitchen during the festive season and added that voluntary donation onto their bill. This small gesture will have a big impact as every £1 raised will ensure the charity can continue to provide their life-changing services.”

Gordon Ramsay became SBH Scotland’s first ever Honorary Patron back in 2003 when he met the organisation’s Chairperson, Dr Margo Whiteford CBE, at the Great North Run. For nearly 20 years, he has continued to support SBH Scotland through charitable donations and appearances.

Dr Margo Whiteford CBE, Chairperson of SBH Scotland, said: “Gordon and Tana Ramsay have been great friends to SBH Scotland for nearly two decades and we couldn’t be more thankful to them and the restaurant teams for their continued support.

“Funds raised are crucial for the dedicated support we can provide now and for the next 12 months. We heavily rely on fundraising to reach our annual targets and with a goal of over £1million pounds to raise throughout 2023, we’re calling on the generosity of businesses and the general public to ensure we can continue to provide vital services including 1-2-1 support in homes and hospitals, health check clinics and support groups to those affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Scotland.

“Whether you’re a restaurant or café who would consider adding a £1 voluntary donation to diner’s bills, or if you’d like to get your staff teams or friends together to Kiltwalk or take on our infamous Zipslide the Clyde challenge in September 2023, every pound raised will go a long way in making a positive difference to the lives of thousands of families.”

To support SBH Scotland or to find out more about other events happening throughout the year, call 03455 211 600, email fundraising@sbhscotland.org.uk or visit

www.sbhscotland.org.uk for more details.

Scottish residents urged to nominate a charity to receive share of £1 million

Residents in Scotland can nominate a good cause to receive £1,000 as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.

Now in its fifth year, the Movement for Good Awards will once again see more than £1million gifted to charities up and down the UK and Ireland.

Since the awards began, people in Scotland have submitted over 141,400 nominations and 179 Scottish based charities have benefited from valuable donations.

While the pandemic and the current economic climate has had an adverse effect on cash donations, the amount of people choosing to volunteer their time for a good cause is rising.

Scottish residents can now give a minute to nominate a charity online at www.movementforgood.com.

The Movement for Goods Awards has gifted over £4million to charities in the UK and Ireland since the initiative started.

Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected. 150 winning charities will be announced from 1 June, with a further 150 revealed in September. Further gifts will be awarded throughout the year.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive at Benefact Group, says: “We are immensely proud to be supporting many hundreds of charities through our Movement for Good Awards for the fifth year running.

“We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference so we’re asking that people give a minute of their time to nominate a cause they care about to receive an award.

“Owned by a charity ourselves, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do and all of our available profits go to good causes. With financial strain continuing to impact many households the Movement for Good Awards represents a great way for people to continue to support causes close to their hearts, without worrying about an additional cost.

“Any charity can win no matter how large or small and even with just one nomination. So find a minute, jump online and nominate – because that small amount of time is invaluable for charities.”

Benefact Group has donated almost £200million to charitable causes since 2014 and has just been recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK². The organisation aims to reach £250million in donations by 2025.

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Visit www.movementforgood.com to nominate a charity now.

Amazon Development Centre support for four Scottish charities

Four charities that support communities across Scotland, and beyond, have received donations totalling £16,000 from the team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland.

The donations were made to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), SAY Women, Broomhouse Community Hall, and Change Mental Health following nominations of support from employees at Amazon’s office in Edinburgh’s Waterloo Place.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People, which has a support centre in Edinburgh, is the UK’s leading sight loss charity. Staff and volunteers provide practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers. The charity’s staff and volunteers raise awareness of the experiences of blind and partially sighted people and campaign for change to make society more accessible for everyone.

SAY Women positively impacts communities across Glasgow by supporting young women aged 16 – 25 who are survivors of sexual violence, homeless or at risk of homelessness as a result. The charity offers accommodation for young women, support through emotional and mental health difficulties and education to help the people it supports prepare for an independent, fulfilled and happy life.

Broomhouse Community Hall is a voluntary organisation run by residents in Broomhouse with the aim of ensuring local views are considered when decisions are taken that impact the community. The organisation, based on Baillieston Road, runs events for people in Glasgow who are lonely, isolated or struggling to buy food. The charity’s volunteers also manage the area’s annual Christmas tree light switch on.

Change Mental Health is a charity that creates talks and training programmes to help people with mental health struggles. Its services, many of which are bespoke to each person it supports, help build confidence and social skills, allowing people to feel more integrated in their community.

Oliver Masting, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland, said: “The services offered by these charities have an incredible impact on communities across Scotland and we wanted to lend a helping hand to the staff and volunteers with these donations.

“The work being done by the RNIB, SAY Women, Broomhouse Community Hall and Support in Mind Scotland positively impacts the lives of many people across Scotland, and beyond, and we’re pleased to offer them our support.”

Jim Hume, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Change Mental Health, added: “From the staff and volunteers at Change Mental Health, I would like to say thank you to the team at Amazon for acknowledging our hard work and offering us their support.

“It is great to receive this donation from Amazon Development Centre Scotland.”

Kaukab Stewart, MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, whose constituency covers SAY Women, said: “I am delighted that SAY Women, located in my Glasgow Kelvin constituency, have been given this funding by Amazon for the very valuable work they do supporting young women survivors of sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault and who are homeless, or threatened with homelessness.

“This funding will undoubtedly be put to good use providing services for this vulnerable group. I hope it will make a real difference to young women dealing with very challenging circumstances, including the damaging impact on mental health.”

John Mason, MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, whose constituency covers Broomhouse Community Hall, said: ‘’I am pleased to see part of this £16,000 go to Broomhouse Community Hall.

It cannot be overstated the importance of places where the community can engage on issues which affects local people. It is my belief, these are the grassroots and foundations of our democracy.

“It also provides a place where vulnerable people can seek help and support from their neighbours and local community. I wholly congratulate Broomhouse Community Hall for this richly deserved donation.’’

Community donations are one of several ways in which Amazon supports the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK.

Amazon provides students, teachers and parents with free computer science and STEM education programmes and has teamed up with charity partner Magic Breakfast to deliver more than six million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in disadvantaged areas of the country.

Venture Scotland calls out for votes to bag a share of Tesco’s community fund

Venture Scotland is bidding for a cash boost from the Tesco Community Grants initiative. Tesco works with community charity Groundwork to run its community funding scheme, which sees grants of up to £1,500, £1,000 and £500 awarded to local community projects.

Three groups in every community have been shortlisted to receive the cash award and shoppers are being invited to head along to Tesco stores to vote for who they think should take away the top grant.

Venture Scotland is one of the groups on the shortlist and is seeking funding to replace their water-based kit. Venture Scotland is a charity operating in Glasgow and Edinburgh which uses nature and the outdoors to spark discovery, development and deep thinking in young people who are struggling with their mental health.

They run a long-term, 4 stage programme, known as The Journey, which focuses on developing mental health awareness, resilience, confidence and practical life skills. Every week, the young people take part in group-based outdoor activity days, such as canoeing, hillwalking and rock climbing, interactive group sessions and 1-to-1 support sessions with staff.

“Most of our young people have never been outside of their local community and have never experienced the adventure, tranquillity and transformative effect of regular outdoor activity. Our project will help improve the mental and physical health and wellbeing of young people in our communities and improve their chance of a living a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life.”

Voting is open in Edinburgh Tesco stores from early April and customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out each time they shop.

Tesco’s Community Grants scheme has already awarded over £100 million to more than 50,000 projects across Britain. Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups every time they shop. Every three months, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.

Tony McElroy, Tesco’s Head of Communications in Scotland, said: “Tesco Community Grants help support local good causes but especially those projects supporting young people, those providing food, and local causes close to our colleagues’ hearts.”

Emma Halliday, Community Enabler Coordinator at greenspace Scotland, which supports Tesco Community Grant applicants and successful projects in Scotland, said: “Tesco Community Grants continues to give local projects the boost they need to help their communities thrive.

“By funding services which support young people and reduce food poverty, we hope to facilitate positive change from the ground up across the UK. We are pleased to have been able to help so many local good causes over the years and look forward to seeing what community organisations can achieve in the future with the right resources.”

Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities, particularly those helping to provide food and giving children the support they need for a good start in life. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online.

To find out more visit www.tesco.com/communitygrants.

Easter boost for Make 2nds Count

Dalkeith Country Park raises funds for Edinburgh-based charity

Breast cancer charity Make 2nds Count is set for a bumper Easter boost courtesy of Dalkeith Country Park.

The organisation, which supports patients with secondary breast cancer, is the visitor attraction’s charity partner for 2023 and benefits from a range of fundraising initiatives through The Park’s activities and the generosity of visitors.

Easter 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.

And Dalkeith Country Park, just outside Edinburgh, has a cracking Easter calendar of events including a fashion show , Easter cookie decorating workshops and its first Duck Race.

Fashionistas can get an exclusive preview of the Restoration Yard’s new spring and summer collection on the evening of March 30. The boutique shopping event, featuring fizz, a goody bag and styling tips straight from the catwalk, also includes a charity raffle for the Karen Henderson Charity Fund, in aid of Make 2nds Count.

A couple of days later, April 1 sees the staging of the inaugural Duck Race when a flock of yellow birds will vie for position on the River Esk, and throughout April 2-14 kids can take part in a hands-on Easter biscuit decorating workshop.

Then on May 4, the Inception Art Show returns to Dalkeith Palace, showcasing a curated collection of artists until May 14. This year, Dalkeith Country Park is delighted to have Anderson Strathern on board as the headline sponsor. The exciting, sales-led contemporary art exhibition launched in 2021. This year 35 modern and contemporary artists, sculptors, photographers and painters have been invited to ‘take over’ The Palace.

As part of the 10-day programme, an online charity art auction will run in partnership with The Auction Collective creating an enticing event when buyers have the chance to bid for works from many of the Inception artists, painters & photographers, whilst supporting Make 2nds Count.

Also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body, secondary breast cancer is incurable, although it can be treated. Make 2nds Count patient champion, the late Karen Henderson, was a visitor to The Park and is fondly remembered there.

Remko Plooij, Managing Director of Dalkeith Country Park says: “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 are thrilled to be part of their efforts for this coming year.”

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

“It’s wonderful that, at this special time of year, visitors to The Park can also share their fundraising ethos and help make such a difference in the lives of patients and their families.”