HSS Sewa Edinburgh is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the Arthur Seat Charity Walk, which was held on Saturday, 31st May, in support of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) (writes DIPIKA JAIN).
The event, which began at Holyrood Car Park at 10:30am, saw a tremendous outpouring of support from the community, helping to raise both moral and financial support for this vital cause.
For over 30 years, CHAS has been offering palliative care, family respite and support services for babies, children, and young people with life-shortening conditions. Their work, which spans hospices, homecare, and hospital support, has made a profound impact on families across Scotland.
The Arthur Seat Charity Walk was organized to help continue CHAS’s crucial mission, and thanks to the participation of many, the event raised an impressive total of £555 for the charity. Each step taken during the walk directly contributed to ensuring CHAS can continue providing care and comfort to those who need it most.
HSS Sewa’s Commitment to Service
The walk was part of HSS Sewa’s ongoing initiative to support small and medium-sized charities that are making a big difference in local communities.
The term “Sewa”, derived from Sanskrit, representsselfless service to humanity and nature.
HSS Sewa is committed to selfless service, whether supporting local charities or responding to national and international crises. HSS Sewa, through its dedicated volunteers across over 65 towns and cities, strives to uplift communities through compassionate, hands-on support.
The Arthur Seat Charity Walk saw volunteers of all ages – from young children supported by their parents to local residents and well-wishers – come together to raise funds and awareness for CHAS. Participants helped to bring attention to this important cause and show their solidarity.
A Thank You to Our Community
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in the Arthur Seat Charity Walk and helped us raise £555 for CHAS,” said an HSS Sewa representative.
“The walk was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community.
“Every step, every contribution, and every moment of support brings us closer to making a meaningful difference.”
Though the walk has concluded, HSS Sewa remains dedicated to supporting organizations like CHAS.
A community-owned woodland in East Lothian is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to a grassroots replanting project supported by Loganair’s GreenSkies Community Fund.
Gifford Community Woodland has received £3,180 to plant 420 native trees in a part of the woodland devastated by ash dieback, a crucial step in restoring the biodiversity and long-term health of the forest.
The woodland, situated just outside the village of Gifford, was purchased by the local community in 2017 after decades of commercial neglect. It was saved from sale to private interests thanks to a determined local campaign.
With support from the Scottish Land Fund, East Lothian Council, Fallago Environment Fund, and a village-wide fundraising effort, the woodland became one of Scotland’s newest community-owned assets, now managed by volunteers for conservation, education, and wellbeing.
“From the start, the message from the community was clear: we want to protect and restore the ancient woodland, and make it accessible for everyone,” said Neville Kilkenny, a fungal ecologist and Project Manager.
“This GreenSkies grant allows us to replant native species in an area badly affected by ash dieback, not just with trees, but with the entire plant communities they support. It’s about recreating a whole ecosystem. Planting the right trees supports the resilience of other diverse communities associated with an ancient woodland ecosystem.”
The pack of trees being planted – including silver birch, hazel, and varieties of oak – have been carefully selected to mirror the natural makeup of the site, creating resilient woodland habitats that can withstand future climate pressures.
The woods have been opened up to the public for the first time through a new path network, including accessible routes to ensure the entire community can enjoy the woodland.
Since taking ownership, Gifford Community Woodland has become a thriving hub for environmental learning and community connection.
Forest school programmes bring local children into the woods to learn about nature hands-on, while volunteer events and guided walks, covering everything from bat monitoring and moth traps to fungi, lichens and bryophytes surveys, help residents build a deeper relationship with the land.
The woodland is also supporting the next generation of conservationists, with young people and students gaining valuable experience in ecological surveying and woodland management.
The ash dieback outbreak, which could result in the loss of 90% of the UK’s ash trees, has had a visible impact on the site. But community resilience has emerged just as strongly.
“We’re not just replacing trees,” Neville Kilkenny said. “We’re restoring the woodland with the community involved at every step. People here are learning how ecosystems function; how fungi, trees, soil, insects and mammals all interact.
“It’s a slow process, but it’s creating something incredibly strong and long-lasting.”
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, established the GreenSkies Community Fund in 2021 to support local sustainability projects across Scotland and beyond. Through the fund, a portion of each ticket purchased contributes to environmental and community initiatives focused on climate resilience and decarbonisation.
Rebecca Borresen, director of safety and sustainability at Loganair, said: “Gifford Community Woodland is a brilliant example of local climate action in practice. Their approach is thoughtful, inclusive, and rooted in science and place. This isn’t just tree planting, it’s community-led ecosystem restoration with generational impact.
“Our GreenSkies programme is focused on creating real change on the ground as well as in the air. Gifford Community Woodland embodies the kind of project we’re proud to champion.”
This month 30 colleagues from Dobbies Central Support Office, based in Lasswade, completed a 25-mile fundraising walk to raise money for its national charity partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK, raising £4,150 and counting, from generous supporters.
The participants walked the almost marathon distance from Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, through Dalkeith Country Park to the mouth of the River Esk at Musselburgh, then joined the John Muir Way along the coast to North Berwick. They began the walk at 7:30am and completed it by 5pm, taking in plenty of places with historical interest and beautiful views.
Dobbies launched its partnership with the UK’s leading dementia research charity in March 2025 as part of its 160-year celebrations.
The partnership grew from gardening being a positive activity for brain health, which in turn can help reduce the risk of dementia. As part of this, Dobbies is supporting the charity’s Think Brain Health campaign to inspire people to keep their brains healthy through garden living.
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer[1] and right now, almost one million people in the UK are living with it, putting precious memories and lives at risk. As well as increasing awareness of dementia, this partnership is raising vital funds for a cure through colleague and customer activity.
Laura Adamson, Head of PR, Communications and Events at Dobbies, who
took part in the walk, is feeling proud of what the team has achieved.
Laura said:“Our team has come together to do something really special to raise money for a meaningful cause and partnership that is close to so many of our colleagues and customers.
“The team has quite literally gone the extra mile to show their support for Alzheimer’s Research UK, raising vital funds to support research to find a cure for dementia.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to all our supporters who have been so generous in their donations and we are looking forward to our next fundraiser, Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Walk For A Cure, which takes place on Sunday 20 July at Holyrood Park.”
Paul Glazier, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “From all of us at Alzheimer’s Research UK, a huge congratulations to the Dobbies Central Support Office team for going the distance to raise funds for dementia research. Walking a combined 750 miles is no mean feat.
“It’s team spirit and efforts like this that highlight why we’re proud to have Dobbies standing with us.
If nothing changes, one in two of us will be directly affected by dementia – either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. Alzheimer’s Research UK exists to change this, we exist for a cure, and with the support of everyone at Dobbies, we won’t stop until we end the heartbreak it causes.”
For more information about the partnership with Dobbies Garden Centres and Alzheimer’s Research UK, visit | Dobbies Garden Centres.
[1] * Incorporates new Northern Ireland mortality data (released 21 November 2024). Figure calculated using the leading cause of death grouping developed by the World Health Organisation and adopted by the reporting bodies in each of the four nations. Data sources from Office for National Statistics (England and Wales), National Records of Scotland and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
A Edinburgh law firm has raised an impressive £10,800 by participating in an annual charity Will-writing campaign – making it the second highest donating firms across Scotland this year.
McEwan Fraser Legal has taken part in the Will Aid campaign since 2019, raising a grand total of £23,555, by volunteering their time and expertise to write Wills and, instead of charging their usual fees for writing basic Wills, inviting clients to make a donation to Will Aid.
The funds raised go to Will Aid’s partner charities, which support a range of important causes, from providing humanitarian aid to protecting vulnerable children here in the UK.
Ken McEwan from the firm, said: “Taking part in Will Aid is something we look forward to each year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to give back -not only by helping people secure their future with a professionally written Will but also by raising funds for charities that make a real impact.
“Our team is incredibly passionate about supporting charities, and knowing our efforts are helping both our community and those further afield is truly rewarding. We are delighted to have played our part in this year’s campaign and to have raised such a significant amount.”
Since its launch in 1988, Will Aid has raised more than £24 million in donations, with millions more pledged in charitable legacies, thanks to the generosity of participating solicitors.
Lauren Poole, chair of Will Aid, said: “A huge well done to McEwan Fraser Legal for their incredible fundraising efforts this year.
“It’s inspiring to see so many legal professionals come together to make a difference – helping people gain peace of mind with a professionally written Will while supporting charities that change lives.
“We’re grateful to every solicitor who gives their time to this campaign, and on behalf of our partner charities, I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to McEwan Fraser Legal and all the firms who participated this year.”
Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid’s campaign director, added: “This year’s Will Aid campaign has been another resounding success, thanks to the dedication of firms like McEwan Fraser Legal.
“Their generosity and commitment mean that more people can get the will they need while also supporting crucial charitable work. It’s wonderful to see such enthusiasm for giving back.”
Will Aid takes place every November and involves solicitors waiving the fee for writing a basic will and instead inviting clients to make an upfront donation to Will Aid.
The suggested donation for a basic single Will is £100, and £180 for a pair of mirror Wills.
Donations are shared between Will Aid’s partner charities: Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, SCIAF and Trócaire.
To meet growing demand, Will Aid is always looking for more solicitors to take part. For more information, visit www.willaid.org.uk.
Poppyscotland, working in partnership with Legion Scotland, are calling for volunteers to help man collection stations on the upcoming Armed Forces Day in Edinburgh.
Taking place on Saturday, June 28, volunteers are needed to help at Waverley or Haymarket train stations during timed slots over the course of that weekend (28th and 29th).
Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.
There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support, including making a donation to Poppyscotland to allow us to continue the valuable work we do in helping countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.
We even help with needs that have arisen long after someone has left the Armed Forces. Whenever, wherever support is needed, we are here.
If you would be interested in volunteering on Saturday, June 28 at Haymarket train station then please sign up now at https://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/AFDHaymarket
or
to volunteer on either Saturday, June 28 or Sunday, June 29, at Edinburgh Waverley station, please sign up at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/AFDWaverley.
For more information on Poppyscotland and how we can help, please visit, www.poppyscotland.org.uk
Charities set for up to £5,000 funding from Scottish Building Society Foundation
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
The funding comes via the Scottish Building Society Foundation which awards individual grants of up to £5,000 to help an applicant’s cause.
To date the Foundation as granted over £150,000 to good causes across Scotland since it launched in 2023.
The grants were awarded to Very Inclusive Play Club, Forth Canoe Club, Ochil Trail Association, Bridgeton Community Learning Campus, The Birks Cinema Trust, Works+, Trossachs Tigers Hockey Club and Duntocher Village Hall whom all received donations to support their initiatives in their community.
The Very Inclusive Playgroup in Edinburgh offers an inclusive and compassionate community for families who have a child with additional support needs. Funding will allow expansion of its services to offer more of its structured groups for children under 5, which focus on specific areas in order to support development.
Forth Canoe Club, in Edinburgh is a charity set up to encourage more public participation in sport. Funding from the Foundation will support the provision of access to canoeing for local children and their parents.
Ochil Tail Association operates various mountain bike and walking trails across Clackmannashire and will use its funding to support the maintenance of these paths for all users.
Bridgeton Community Learning in the East End of Glasgow will use its grant to further its work supporting local businesses and organisations based in Bridgeton.
The Birks Cinema Trust based in Aberfeldy will use its funding to support a programme of community activities designed to support social inclusion and enhance wellbeing.
Scottish Border’s based employment charity, Works+ will use the grant to support the work they do to help young people aged 16-24 get into work, further education or training.
Trossachs Tigers Hockey Club based in Stirling will be using its grant funding to purchase new equipment and facility hire costs for children across rural Stirlingshire to encourage more kids to get into hockey.
Duntocher Village Hall will use its support to fund essential repair work to the hall’s wooden floor, ensuring it can reopen for community use once again.
Paul Denton, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Building Society said: “As we welcome members to our AGM this year, it feels fitting to celebrate the incredible work charities do in their local communities, and we are proud to support their efforts through this next round of funding.
“The Scottish Building Society Foundation is designed to give back to communities and since it began it has supported good causes to make a difference right across Scotland, from Highlands to the Scottish Borders.
“All the charities and community organisations who have been successful in their applications have a fantastic cause and we look forward to seeing their positive work go further as a result of the funding they have received. By investing in good causes, we are building stronger communities.”
Scottish Building Society Foundation was established by Scottish Building Society in partnership with Foundation Scotland in May 2023 to align with the organisation’s 175th anniversary, with an initial £175,000 earmarked for local charities and good causes across Scotland.
Since then it has provided over £150,000 shared among 43 charities, with the latest funding coinciding with a successful year for the world’s oldest remaining building society.
In April the society revealed total assets rose by 17% in the last 12 months, seeing them double since 2020 to £866.5m, while its mortgage portfolio grew by 7% and retail savings balances rose by 20% – well above the market average.
Additionally, for the fifth consecutive time, Scottish Building Society was recognised as the ‘Best Building Society’ at the 2024 Scottish Mortgage Awards, with Mr Denton also receiving the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award.
Mr Denton said: “Over the past 12 months we’ve seen strong results driven by our commitment to the communities we serve, building loyalty and trust with our members to provide them with the services they need.
“As a mutual, we make decisions exclusively for the benefit of our members, not shareholders and today, that feels more important than ever.
“That’s why we continue to invest in relationship centres, passbook savings accounts, and a personal approach, while at the same time developing our digital tools to give members secure, convenient access to their accounts.”
For more information on the Scottish Building Society Foundation, visit:
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Edinburgh the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
The supermarket challenge, inspired by the legendary game show, is sure to add excitement to the weekly shopping trip. As well as fundraising, Edinburgh locals have the chance to take home their favourite items from Aldi’s store in Leith.
Launched in 2016, the supermarket challenge offers shoppers the chance to take part in a five-minute trolley dash, allowing them to gather as many Aldi favourites as they can within the timeframe.
Once the time is up, the lucky shopper gets to take home the trolley full of goodies, while Aldi matches the cash value of the goods as a donation.
Each year across Scotland CHAS supports over 500 babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025 every penny raised through Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.
Edinburgh residents can apply for the Supermarket Sweep from Monday 2 June to Sunday 8 June.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said:“Our annual Supermarket Sweeps hold a special place in the Aldi calendar, donating over £50,000 to local charities since 2016.
“We’re very much looking forward to its return for another year and giving one lucky Edinburgh resident the chance to enjoy a truly unique supermarket experience.
“CHAS is a charity very close to our hearts, which provides a truly invaluable lifeline for families across Scotland, offering specialist care and unwavering support during the most difficult moments imaginable.
“This year, Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep will be travelling all over Scotland, giving Aldi customers nationally a brilliant opportunity to raise funds for CHAS while shining a light on the incredible work the charity does.”
The team at Amazon in Dunfermline has donated £3,000 worth of ride-along push cars to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity supports children facing potentially life-changing visits to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP). The charity provides reassurance, distraction and fun for children during their hospital visits.
One way the charity provides distraction is through the ride along push cars for children’s travel around the hospital, including to operations and appointments. To support the initiative, Amazon in Dunfermline has donated 50 push cars worth £3,000.
Kate Dixon, from Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are grateful to welcome the donation of push cars from our friends at Amazon in Dunfermline.
“We know that the environment around us can have a profound effect on wellbeing and mood and that’s why we create a welcoming space with fun activities for families and children visiting the hospital.”
“Donations like this allow our team to reimagine the hospital environment, making it fit for even the most active imaginations. Thank you to the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for bringing such positivity to what can be a stressful and scary experience.”
The donation of push cars is part of Amazon’s ongoing support for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. Since 2023, Amazon has provided support to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity by taking part in the charity’s ‘Kick Off’ football fundraising event, and with employees volunteering their time at the hospital. Last year, the team from Amazon in Dunfermline also donated kits which included toys and crafts.
Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline added: “We have a longstanding relationship with the team at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and we’re pleased to once again support the team and bring joy to patients with the donation of push cars.”
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need.
The Multibank network has now donated more than 3 million surplus goods to over 400,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, and London.
Amazon has supported more than 700,000 students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose.
Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.
Edinburgh-based Children’s Holiday Venture (CHV) is one of three good causes across the East of Scotland that has been awarded a share of a £25,000 Scotmid funding pot. The funds were allocated following a vote by Scotmid members.
CHV is a student-led charity run by volunteers from the University of Edinburgh, supporting children aged 7–17 from some of the most deprived areas in and around the city.
The volunteers work with around 140 children who take part in free fortnightly activities designed to boost emotional wellbeing and build social skills.
The programme includes the provision of engaging experiences such as science nights, bowling, swimming, scavenger hunts and day trips, which the £5,000 will help support.
Fergal Francis, Treasurer at Children’s Holiday Venture, said:“We’re incredibly grateful to have been awarded this funding from Scotmid.
“It means we can continue to run fun, enriching activities that make a valuable difference to the children we work with. These sessions help build confidence, friendships, and memories that last well beyond the day itself.”
The other two good causes that have received a share of the £25,000 are Answer Day Care Centre based in Whitburn and Rio Community Centre based in Fife.
Scottish music sensations Nathan Evans and Saint Phnx will be singing for the nation’s mental health at a special charity gig for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health).
The unforgettable and intimate night of live music will be held at the stunning Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on Friday 6 June, with just 150 pairs of tickets up for grabs at this exclusive event.
Tickets are available through a text to win prize draw, powered by the Fonix platform (www.fonix.com), giving fans the chance to win a pair of tickets by texting GIG to 84903.
You will be charged your standard network rate charge and a voluntary £3 donation to SAMH – You must be 18 or over and have the bill payer’s permission to enter. Entries close at 11:59pm on 11/05/2025.
The event signals the start of SAMH’s new programme of special events, The Garden Sessions: an exclusive fundraising initiative that joins the magic of live music with support for vital mental health services.
Nathan Evans, known for his viral sea shanties, and chart-topping band Saint Phnx, will headline the first SAMH Garden Session, with more exclusive shows planned later in the year.
Nathan Evans said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to be part of the very first SAMH Garden Session. Playing an intimate show like this, in such a stunning setting, and for a cause as important as mental health, makes it really special for us.
“We can’t wait to be part of something so positive and memorable — it’s going to be an incredible night.”
Hazel McIlwraith, Director of Fundraising and Major Appeals at SAMH, said: “Music has an incredible ability to bring people together, lift spirits, and create lasting memories.
“Connecting with other people and being surrounded by nature is good for your mental health, and this special event will be an uplifting experience.
“With The Garden Sessions, we want to offer something truly unique that not only celebrates live music and gives fans the opportunity to see top artists up close, but also raises vital funds for mental health at a time when support is so desperately needed.”
SAMH recently announced plans to open The Nook, Scotland’s first ever network of walk-in mental health support hubs and proceeds from this event will help to support their establishment.
