A charity worker got the surprise of a lifetime when she was told she had won a new car after taking part in the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk in Edinburgh. ENABLE’s Nicole Forsyth is the fourth and final Kiltwalker this year to win a shiny new Renault Clio, thanks to platinum sponsor Arnold Clark. Continue reading ENABLE walker wins new set of wheels!
Fear of hostility could be stopping large numbers of disabled people in Scotland going out in their communities, says Leonard Cheshire Disability as it reveals the results of a UK national survey of disabled adults aged over 18. Continue reading Fear of hostility prevents one in three disabled people going out
A team of 20 RAF personnel from 612 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Leuchars will look to complete the Forth Rail Bridge Abseil to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, on 15 October. The unique challenge allows entrants to abseil 165 feet from the iconic Forth Bridge – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nick, who served for 29 years in the RAF Regulars before joining the Reserves, explained: “Every year the Squadron decide what charity they would like to support, and this year we chose the RAF Benevolent Fund. Since January we have taken part in an array of events, from cycle challenges and marathons to quiz nights and super-car events, all to raise money for the Fund. So far we have raised over £5000 and we’re hoping that this event will bring even more money and awareness to the Fund so they can continue the wonderful work they do supporting the RAF family.”
Zee Fletcher, Regional Fundraiser for the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Nick and the team are going to incredible lengths for the RAF Benevolent Fund and we couldn’t be more grateful! The dedication they have shown is second to none. The donations from the challenge, and indeed the whole year of fundraising, will help us to continue providing support for serving personnel and veterans, whether it’s through respite care, financial top-ups or emotional support. Thank you 612 Squadron!”
The Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) is urging the Scottish Government to act now to stop charities building up unaffordable pension liabilities in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). ICAS has set out recommendations in a new report to the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA). The report (below) has been welcomed by Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council. Continue reading Pensions time bomb: ICAS calls on Scottish Government to rescue charities at risk
A committee of Edinburgh women are holding a Ceilidh for South Sudan at Stockbridge House, Edinburgh on Saturday the 7th October 2017 to raise funds to help young refugees in South Sudan, who are affected by Africa’s longest-running civil war, access education. Continue reading Keeping hope alive: Fundrasing Ceilidh for South Sudan
The Scottish SPCA celebrated their 10th annual Scottish Animal Week earlier this month (4-10 September) and ended the celebrations with a community open day at their centre in Edinburgh. Scotland’s animal welfare charity was overwhelmed by the support shown from local businesses, vendors and supporters who attended the event. Continue reading Scottish SPCA Open Day’s a roaring success!
Kind-hearted Kiltwalk heroes are the toast of 780 Scottish charities as it’s been revealed they raised £2.3 million in 2017 – with donations still coming in! And 2018 is set to be even bigger with walkers able to add 40% to the money they raise for the charity of their choice thanks to support from The Hunter Foundation. Continue reading Hunter Foundation boost for Kiltwalk
Social Bite’s Sleep in the Park initiative has raised over £500,000 in only three weeks. The social business is on an ambitious mission to work with others to end homelessness in Scotland within five years (see below), and more than 2,000 people have already pledged to sleep out at the Sleep in the Park event in Princes Street Gardens on December 9th.
Fifteen families have also signed up to offer a spare room and 28 companies are offering job opportunities to homeless people.
Up to ten thousand people are expected to ‘sleep rough’at the event, which has been billed ‘Live Aid for Scottish Homelessness’. Attractions include:
Social Bite has set a fundraising target of £4m and is looking to generate 1,000 employment offers and 1,000 ‘spare room’ supported lodging pledges.
To register to participate, go to sleepinthepark.co.uk
The school holidays are well and truly over, some children started school for the first time and for others school, college and university life is a thing of the past. And at the other end of the spectrum, planning for retirement is front of mind – But all of these life changes have one thing in common – opportunity!
Barnardo’s Scotland is offering volunteering opportunities in their 100+ shops across the country. Whether you’re dipping your toe back in to the workplace; want to make good use of extra hours; share your experience or looking for a change of direction, Barnardo’s Scotland would love to hear from you.
The charity currently has volunteers nationwide from all walks of life, ages and abilities, but is keen to recruit more people willing to donate their time.
Deriel Watt, area business manager for Barnardo’s Scotland shops in Edinburgh is keen to hear from people willing to volunteer in one of the seven shops across the city including shops in Leith, Meadowbank, East Craigs or Stockbridge.
She said: “Volunteers are crucial to us. Volunteers are vital to running our business; in fact we simply couldn’t exist without them. They are an important part of our success and are an integral part of Barnardo’s Scotland.
“Volunteers can gain valuable experience and a lot of enjoyment out of joining their local store team.”
Volunteers get involved for many reasons – to support Barnardo’s Scotland’s work and cause; to do something unusual and inspiring or to learn new skills and improve their CV. It is also an opportunity to meet new people.
Billy Farrell, retail volunteer manager, said: “Volunteering is fun and rewarding. It can also be a stepping stone to a new career and help you to gain the skills you need for a new role or job. Depending on a person’s interests and skills, Barnardo’s Scotland can find the right volunteering opportunity to suit you.”
*Barnardo’s Shop at 150 Leith Walk is holding a volunteering networking evening on Thursday 28 September.
All Barnardo’s volunteers are given full training and support. If you are interested in volunteering in a shop, please ring 07768 707 384 for details of your nearest store or go to www.barnardos.org.uk/volunteering.
Around 3,000 people took to the streets of Edinburgh yesterday for this year’s final Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk to raise funds for walkers’ chosen charities. Continue reading Thousands hit the city streets for Kiltwalk
