charity support – Page 8 – The NEN

YUCK Circus and Pilot Beer launch bespoke lager to raise money for SHE Scotland

Known for throwing back pints of beer while fearlessly throwing themselves around on stage, all-female Australian troupe YUCK Circus have now partnered with local Edinburgh brewery Pilot Beer to help raise money for charity SHE Scotland during this year’s Festival Fringe.

YUCK Circus and Pilot Beer first collaborated back in 2019 when the Leith-based brewers provided the troupe with beer to drink during their Fringe performances. This year, Pilot are brewing a special edition beer just for YUCK called Upside Down Lager – light, bright and fruity, it’s a juicy pineapple and cherry lager, loosely based on the flavours of a pineapple upside down cake.

A portion of the proceeds from every sale of the beer will go to local charity SHE Scotland through Pilot’s Drinklusion fundraising initiative.

YUCK Circus director Georgia Deguara said the Pilot Beer partnership provided an “incredible opportunity to not only decrease the stigma around ‘unladylike’ drinking habits, but to also encourage more female representation in the brewing industry”.

“We try to give back to the community wherever we tour, and by collaborating with a local company like Pilot Beer we are able to not only promote the fabulous beers they brew, but also raise money for SHE Scotland, an organisation that is empowering women, inspiring youth and talking periods – doing incredible work in Scotland.”

Since winning the 2019 Fringe World top-tier Martin Sims award and Adelaide Fringe Best Emerging Artist with their self-titled debut, YUCK Circus has been touring internationally, picking up dozens of awards and 5-star reviews, and thrilling thousands from the public along the way.

The troupe uses impressive acrobatics and aerial performance to explore the grotesque nature of beauty standards, bougie art and to challenge gender misconceptions. Presenting their real experiences in full comedy, YUCK makes ‘gross’ topics as inclusive as they are entertaining.

Matt Johnson, Co-Founder Pilot Beer, said: “We’re delighted to be once again teaming up with the incredible YUCK Circus team, this time by making a bespoke beer that both celebrates the high-energy acrobatics and highlights the fruity tastes of summer.

“The fact that we’re also able to distribute a portion of the proceeds to a charity like SHE Scotland through our Drinklusion program makes the collaboration even more worthwhile.”

Karen Anderson, founder of SHE Scotland, said: “The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has always been about bringing community together, and we are so grateful that YUCK Circus and Pilot Beer have decided to support our charity in their partnership this year.

“The funds raised will go towards our many programs and workshops, which are designed to increase self-esteem, build relationships and improve the life chances of women and girls across Scotland.”

The YUCK Circus Upside Down Lager will be available to purchase in cans from Pilot Beer and behind selected bars in Edinburgh from late July. A portion of sales will be donated to SHE Scotland under Pilot Beer’s Drinklusion scheme.

YUCK Circus is performing at the Palais du Variété in Assembly George Square Gardens from 02 – 28 August this Edinburgh Fringe. Tickets are available now from the Assembly Festival box office, www.assemblyfestival.com.

Barratt Developments supports women and families with East of Scotland community fund

Three essential causes focused on improving the lives and wellbeing of women and families in the East of Scotland have benefited from donations from Barratt Developments’ community fund.

Barratt Developments, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, currently donates £1,500 per month to local charities in its divisions as part of the homebuilder’s pledge to improve the quality of life of those living in the areas in which it operates.

To kick off the first quarter of the year, £1,500 was donated to Smart Works in January – an organisation that supports the most vulnerable women in society by providing interview clothing, styling services and professional interview coaching.

The women who come to Smart Works are often referred from Job Centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, the care service and youth organisations. The essential resources provided by the charity not only allow 72% of its service users to gain employment each month, but also helps improve women’s overall confidence and self-esteem.

Rachel Shields, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager at Smart Works Scotland, said: “We’re so grateful for this donation. In the shadow of the cost-of-living crisis our service has never been more needed.

“In response to increasing demand, we are expanding our service in Scotland, and we just had our biggest month for appointments in March.

“With support like this from Barratt, we’re one step closer to achieving the ambition of our 3-year plan to double the number of women who access our transformative service by March 2025.”

In February, a further £1,500 was given to Stepping Stones North Edinburgh.

Supporting pregnant women and young families, Stepping Stones provides a range of services focused on mental and emotional wellbeing, resilience building, reducing isolation and early learning services.

The donation has been used by the Stepping Stones team to improve play materials used by the organisation’s Steps to Grow group. Run on Wednesdays throughout the year at Granton Community Garden, the shared space provides children and their caregivers with the opportunity to socialise in a safe, secure and enriching environment.

Dee Reid, Early Learning Practitioner at Stepping Stones North Edinburgh, said: “Barratt’sgenerous donation has enabled us to purchase some much needed and durable equipment for our garden group to proceed in a safe and effective way, within our environment.

“This will hopefully benefit our families greatly, and they can continue to enjoy the equipment and new resources for years to come.”

To round off the quarter, Barratt Developments donated £1,500 in March to SiMBA (Simpson’s Memory Box Appeal).

The charity’s aim is to honour babies who have died, are stillborn or miscarried through supporting parents by gathering precious items in Memory Boxes, spending time with the baby in a comfortable Family Room, and providing the chance to remember and reflect at the Tree of Tranquillity.

The funds received from Barratt Developments will help SiMBA to continue to provide these services to families in the East of Scotland.

Vanessa Rhazali, Head of Fundraising and Communications at SiMBA, said: “We were delighted to receive a generous donation from Barratt Homes.

“The funds will go directly towards providing Memory Boxes to bereaved parents at their critical time of loss. The Memory Boxes offer comfort at one of the most traumatic times of their lives, while also holding cherished memories for the family to honour their baby for the years that follow.”

Alison Condie, Managing Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “Giving back to the communities in which we build has always been a priority for Barratt Developments, and we try our best to identify the charities most in need in our divisions with the help of our customers.

“This quarter we’ve donated to three fantastic causes that are supporting women and families in the East of Scotland. To be able to provide essential services in the current climate can be extremely challenging for charities.

“Hopefully, these donations will help them to continue the vital work they are doing in their local communities.”

For more information on Barratt Developments in the East of Scotland, visit:

https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/

Demand for wishes from critically ill children rising fast

The number of wish enquiries from seriously ill children with less than a year to live is rising fast and children’s charity Make-A-Wish UK is calling on people to help to meet this urgent demand now, before it’s too late.

New statistics by Make-A-Wish, the charity which grants wishes for critically ill children, has revealed that the number of rush or priority wishes for children who have less than a year to live, doubled from 2021 to 2022 from 75 to 151. With 130 of these wishes already granted since September 2022*, that number is expected to go even higher this year.

More than 63,000 children in the UK have been diagnosed with a critical condition and are eligible for a wish. It’s estimated that by 2030, this figure will have risen to over 73,000 and Make-A-Wish UK is worried that without support, they could soon be forced to turn critically ill children away.

Jason Suckley, chief executive for Make-A-Wish UK said: “This year we have seen a sharp rise in the number of children with short prognoses. We want every single one of these children to experience the life-changing magic of a wish but sadly, the demand for wishes is growing faster than we can meet it. For these children in particular, every day counts.

“When a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, the joy of childhood is brought to an abrupt end; replaced by hospital appointments, gruelling treatment plans and endless worry. We’re appealing for the public’s generous support to help make more wishes come true for a critically ill child before it’s too late.

“Families can create lasting memories that they will treasure forever – no matter what the future holds. Their support really does mean everything to the children and families who turn to us.”

Make-A-Wish currently grants on average about 1,000 wishes a year and right now, 1,124 seriously ill children like Oliver are waiting for their wishes to come true.

At just 18-months-old, Oliver Cheng from Leicester, was diagnosed with the incredibly rare genetic condition, FIG 4 neuro development disorder – a condition so rare it’s believed he’s just one of seven or eight children in the world who have it.

With no treatment available, no one was sure how long Oliver had to live. “We were told to take lots of pictures and make as many memories as possible,” said mum Lia who wanted to find a way of bringing comfort to Oliver as often as possible, whilst she still could.

After visiting a hydrotherapy pool and seeing just how relaxed Oliver became in the warm water, the family turned to Make-A-Wish who made Oliver’s wish of having a spa pool at home come true.

“His eyes were glowing,” said Oliver’s mum Lia describing the moment Oliver saw his spa pool for the first time. “He spreads his body out, floats in the water and puts his hands towards the bubbles. He’s not able to do much but this is something fun that he can enjoy every day now and help relieve his pain.

“We love to just sit and watch him relax. We know that our time with Oliver may be short, but Make-A-Wish have helped us make incredible memories as a family that we couldn’t make on our own. I don’t know how to thank everyone enough for what you have given us.”

To find out more about how to support Make-A-Wish’s Spring Appeal campaign, visit make-a-wish.org.uk/springappeal.

Fort Kinnaird donate to local charities

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Two Craigmillar-based charities and a Greenydykes foundation have benefited from a £5,000 donation from Fort Kinnaird.

Thistle Foundation, The Venchie Children and Young People’s Project and Craigmillar Now have all received donations as part of the centre’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local community.

Thistle Foundation, founded in 1944, supports people in Scotland living with disabilities and long-term health conditions such as Parkinson, ME, chronic pain, the long-term effects of COVID-19, and mental health conditions.

The charity offers a range of wellbeing support including 1:1 coaching and courses, that support people to lead good lives and achieve what matters most to them. Thistle Foundation also supports people living in local communities in and around Craigmillar in Edinburgh through Thistle Outdoors, Connecting Craigmillar and their gym situated at their Centre of Wellbeing.

The donation from Fort Kinnaird went towards supporting Thistle Foundation’s health and wellbeing service and a big Thistle Thank You to the amazing team of volunteers that help the charity to support people locally and nationally.

Some of these volunteers are part of the Thistle Outdoors team, delivering cycling sessions in Saughton Park which take place each Thursday, providing a range of adapted bikes, including trikes and side-by side-cycles, for people to enjoy for free while meeting with friends or new people.

The Venchie Children and Young People’s Project supports more than 200 children every week from in and around Craigmillar. It runs activities ranging from breakfast and after-school clubs to holiday sessions and parent/toddler groups which will be supported through the donation.

And Craigmillar Now, an arts and heritage space, will use the funds to continue hosting a year-round programme of creative activities including artist residences, workshops and exhibitions.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “These charities are all doing vital work in the area, and we’re pleased that we are able to show our appreciation for this through these donations, which we know will have a direct positive impact on people in our community.”

William Oviatt, Heat of Income Generation at Thistle Foundation said: “We are extremely grateful for this very generous donation from Fort Kinnard.

“It is with thanks to donations like this that we can continue to support people living in local communities across Edinburgh and throughout Scotland.”

For more information on what’s on at Fort Kinnaird visit:

https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Practically Perfect Partnership in Every Way!

Thorntons Solicitors announced as headline sponsor for Poppins-themed CHAS ball

Scottish law firm Thorntons is supporting Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as headline sponsor for a second year at the charity’s sixth Rocking Horse Ball this summer.

The prestigious annual event, which will be held at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh on Friday 2 June is known as one of the best and most-loved charity dinners of the year in the capital, selling out months in advance.

This year’s ball is being hosted by Jess Robinson and will have a Mary Poppins theme,

Thorntons offers a full range of legal services and advice to individuals as well as businesses across the country.

Di Alton, CHAS’s High Profile Events Manager, said: “We can’t quite believe this is the sixth year of Rocking Horse and we are proud and privileged to have the continued support from Thorntons for a second year.

“With their very generous sponsorship, we are able to wow our guests from start to finish, creating an incredible and memorable event that will raise vital funds for CHAS. We can’t wait to fly our guests to Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane and we know it’ll be an event that everyone will be talking about for weeks to come.”

Clare Macpherson, Lead Partner at Thorntons in Edinburgh, said: “It’s remarkable and humbling to witness the difference CHAS makes to families across Scotland. We’ve long supported the CHAS Rocking Horse Ball and we’re proud to once again be event sponsors and support their ongoing work.”

The 2022 Rocking Horse Ball, sponsored by Thorntons, raised over £100,000 for the children and families CHAS supports.

In Scotland, nearly 16,000 children and young people live with life-shortening conditions and CHAS is determined to reach every family who needs its services.

The charity provides nation-wide hospice services for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions at Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch while the CHAS at Home service supports families their own homes.
To find out more about CHAS visit www.chas.org.uk

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.