Heartbreaking: a child reported missing every TWO MINUTES

250,000 children are reported missing in the European Union every year: the equivalent of A CHILD every TWO MINUTES (European Commission)

Events were held around the world to mark International Missing Children’s Day yesterday (25 May). The day offers an opportunity to raise awareness of young people who have disappeared and also encourages people to think about those who have previously vanished and returned home – and those who have been victims of crime.

UK Home Office Minister Karen Bradley visited the Missing People charity ahead of yesterday’s International Missing Children’s Day and learnt about the Child Rescue Alert System, a crucial tool in helping locate missing people.

The minister met the charity’s Chief Executive Jo Youle and heard from staff how the charity’s helpline provides vital support for missing people and their families.

There was also a demonstration of the Child Rescue Alert System, which is designed to alert the public to an abduction or other high risk child disappearance.

Touring the office, the Minister learnt about plans for this year’s#TheBigTweet, which the Home Office will again be supporting this year. Since last year’s social media campaign, ten of the children and young people featured in #TheBigTweet appeals have been found.

Minister for Preventing Abuse and Exploitation, Karen Bradley, said: “This government recognises that missing children are particularly vulnerable to harm and exploitation, and that they, and their families, deserve the best possible support and protection.

“International Missing Children’s Day is an opportunity to raise vital awareness of these children and young people. I look forward to working closely with Missing People and other partners and am delighted to offer my support to ‘The Big Tweet’. I encourage everyone to get involved.”

Chief Executive of Missing People, Jo Youle, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister to Missing People today and to introduce her to the work of the charity within the first fortnight of her new role.

“We discussed priorities for improving services and support for missing people and their families including the need for guardianship legislation to enable families to protect their missing loved one’s finances and property, and the need for better support for children and adults who return from being missing.

“I really look forward to working closely with the Minister and welcome her keen interest in the work of the charity and the needs of vulnerable missing people and their families.”

MISSING CHILDREN: Facts and Figures

250,000 children are reported missing in the European Union every year, the equivalent of around 1 child every 2 minutes (European Commission)

Missing children include several categories of child disappearances, including parental abductions, runaways*, missing unaccompanied migrant minors and criminal abductions

Two to five percent of missing children cases reported involve third party criminal abductions (Missing Children Europe Annual Report 2014)

Runaways make up 50% of missing children cases reported through hot-lines (Missing Children Europe Annual Report 2014)

1 in 6 runaways are assumed to sleep rough, 1 in 8 resort to stealing to survive and 1 in 12 children are at serious risk of some form of abuse (The Children’s Society)

It’s estimated that around 140,000 cases of missing children are reported annually in the UK, the equivalent of around 380 per day (missingchildreneurope.eu)

Missing Children Europe’s Belgian member “Child Focus” opens an average of 4 new cases a day

https://youtu.be/oho8xaMsfsc

‘Music is our first love …’

Showcase 25 set to raise the roof at The King’s Theatre

The concept of Showcase Musical Productions is a simple one – bring together some of the best ‘non-professional’ singers and dancers in Edinburgh and the Lothians area and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. That was the vision of John Wright and Bobby Harvey: and this year Showcase is celebrating 25 years of performing!

Showcase 25 will be a musical extravaganza paying tribute to Showcase past, present and future, featuring a selection of numbers from the likes of Les Miserables, Wicked, Queen, Adele and The Beatles. Cast members old and new will be joined by a junior cast, the Showcase of the future, at Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre on 29 and 30 May.

Cast member Carol McGovern has been performing with Showcase for the past 25 years. She said: “I am very proud to have been involved with Showcase for the last 25 years – more than half my lifetime! The variety of music we have performed over the years has been fabulous but it has become frustrating that it takes me longer to learn the notes, words and dance moves than I used to!

“I have made some special friendships over the years and it is lovely that our hobby can also raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and help the great work they do, which has become much more than an added bonus to many of us.”

With rehearsals well under way, director Andy Johnston, said: “It has been very difficult compiling a show that accurately represents 25 years worth of Showcase hits – our first draft programme would have run for nearly four hours! – but we feel this show will be an accurate representation of where Showcase came from, and of where we are now.”

The aspiration to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Showcase at the King’s Theatre has been an exciting one and the performance has something for everyone; rock, pop and songs from the musicals, all orchestrated by musical director David Mcfarlane with imaginative choreography by Claire Smith.

While everyone involved performs in Showcase because of their love of the theatre, there is also a very serious side. Showcase is an important fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, having raised over £220,000 to date.

Andy Johnston added: “Each and every one of our cast gives so freely of their talents and time all to benefit Macmillan Cancer Support – I often remind the cast that as a company, we are in a very special position that we have a hobby than can genuinely change someone else’s life – and what can be more important than that?’

With 310,000 people diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year, many of the cast and supporters of Showcase have been affected by cancer and have first-hand experience of the support Macmillan gives.

Jayne Forbes, Macmillan Cancer Support Fundraising Manager, Edinburgh said: “We are extremely grateful to Showcase for their considerable support to date. They have raised an incredible amount of money which has helped us make a real difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.

“We help people in many ways, from specialist nurses and doctors, to help and advice for people who have financial worries as a result of their cancer diagnosis. In Edinburgh there are 53 specialist Macmillan nurses and health care professionals, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support.

“None of this would be possible without supporters like Showcase. 98% of our funding comes from public donations. Quite simply, we couldn’t provide our services without the support of local people.”

Showcase supplements its fundraising efforts with concerts throughout the year and will be performing again in the Church Hill Theatre in September but with over 100 voices singing in glorious harmony in just ten days time, it is bound to raise the roof of the King’s Theatre!

Tickets are from £15.75 and are available at www.edtheatres.com/showcase.

This is a performance that is not to be missed!

North Edinburgh rallies to support Nepal

Royston Wardieburn fundraiser to support earthquake victims

The Nepal Scotland Association has organised an evening of Nepalese food, music and dancing at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre from 5pm on Saturday 23 May.

Tickets are available from RWCC reception, or from community members (contact the numbers on the poster).

Show your support for our friends in Nepal!

Light a candle for Nepal

Marking one week since the devastating earthquake in Nepal, Edinburgh residents and visitors are being invited to show solidarity at a candlelit vigil outside the City Chambers tomorrow.

The Lord Provost Donald Wilson lodged an emergency motion at a meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council on Thursday to call on local support for the Mercy Corps Nepal Earthquake appeal.

He said: “When an event as devastating as this take place, I believe it is important for residents to feel they have an opportunity to express condolences and provide united support.

“I urge everyone in Edinburgh to do and give what they can, whether they join us for the candle lighting ceremony, make a donation to the Mercy Corps, pause for reflection or say a prayer for the lives lost.

“Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and is suffering one of the most horrific of disasters. The survivors of this terrible earthquake and all of the aid workers in Nepal urgently need sympathy and support from all corners of the world.”

Rajendra Bam, the Chair of the Nepal Scotland Association, added: “The effect on our country has been devastating. We represent about 800 Nepali people in Edinburgh and the Lothians and no one has been left untouched by this tragedy, everyone has a story. Our community is a very close one and what affects one affects another. We are working in cooperation with charities, such as Mercy Corps, towards the urgent relief programme. Anything that you can do to help us is much appreciated.”

Edinburgh-based international charity Mercy Corps has been working in Nepal since 2006. The humanitarian organisation has reacted with an emergency response in Nepal following the massive earthquake and their dedicated team has been working tirelessly, whilst dealing with their own tragedies, to evaluate conditions and deliver emergency supplies to desperate families.

Simon O’Connell, Executive Director, Mercy Corps Europe said: “Our teams have been working hard for the last week to meet emergency needs of survivors in Nepal and assess what is needed for the recovery of the country. We are distributing urgent relief to families in Kathmandu and in villages outside of the capital and working hard to get more emergency supplies in for families who are in desperate need. Time is of the essence and donations are critical to our ongoing relief effort.”

The City of Edinburgh Council is a partner of the Edinburgh Disaster Response Committee which is asking residents to help survivors during the aftermath of the disaster.

A fund has opened with the Edinburgh based humanitarian organisation Mercy Corps for urgent donations.

Charity fundraising? It’s a snip!

Little Princess Chrissie raises £1000 for children’s charity

Little Christina Downie heard her mum talking about a small charity and took it upon herself to do something to support other children. The six year old Forthview pupil decided to get her hair cut for charity – and she’s raised over £1000!

Proud mum Dawn explained: “Back in February Chrissie heard me talking about Little Princess Trust, a charity provides real hair wigs to children who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment. She told us that she wanted to help the charity and she came up with the haircut idea herself.

“She is a very kind wee girl who always thinks and cares about other people so when we saw how determined she was we knew she would see it through.

“We thought at first we might raise a hundred pounds or so, but people have been so generous. The school, neighbours, my mother’s workmates have all supported Chrissie and she’s raised over £1000, with still more to come!”

Christina’s Aunt Ashley, who’s a hairdresser, popped in to family’s West Pilton home on Friday to cut Chrissie’s hair. She took around eleven inches off the length – and that hair will soon be turned into gold for the Little Princess Trust!

When the snipping was over Dawn said: “It’s really nice but I feel a bit weird – Chrissie’s hair hasn’t been that short since she was about a year old!”

Fortunately wee Christina likes her new look. She said: “I look different and it feels funny at first but I’m glad I’ve had it done.”

Ah, well. Hair today, gone tomorrow! Fundraising? It’s kid’s stuff!

https://youtu.be/YJciVFZd5aU

CHILDREN 1ST the real winners in Dragons’ Glen finale

‘Can Do’ attitude produces results for children’s charity

The winner of the CHILDREN 1^ST corporate charity challenge Dragons’ Glen will be announced on Wednesday (29 April) during a special ceremony at Edinburgh Castle to be attended by Roseanna Cunningham MSP.

Now in its third year, Dragons’ Glen has seen ten teams from all over Scotland use their business skills to launch products and turn an initial investment of £500 into £5000 plus. All profits then go to CHILDREN 1^ST, Scotland’s leading children’s charity.

During the challenge, the teams were mentored by leading Scottish business experts including Jo Bucci (Managing Director, People’s Postcode Lottery); Carolyn Jameson, Director, General Counsel for Skyscanner and Ken Lewandowski, formerly Local Chairman of Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centres.

Teams and projects in the Edinburgh section up for this year’s award include:

BCF Technology Team B, who focused on fashion, selling designer T-shirts which used ethically-sourced materials.
Larbert High School’s main project was science experiment kits, complete with lesson plans, for primary schools to bring science to life for younger children.

Rosanna Cunningham, Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training, said: “Dragons’ Glen is a valuable exercise that has helped those involved learn some fantastic skills, aiding their careers for a long time to come. This is very much in line with our ‘Scotland CAN DO’ approach and I can’t wait to see what ideas they have come up with.”

Alison Todd, Chief Executive of CHILDREN 1^ST, said: “From board games to hand warmers the teams have really used their imagination and come up with some great ideas and products. Dragons’ Glen is not just about team-building, learning new skills and having words of wisdom from top business gurus – this is about companies showing the difference they can make to vulnerable children and their families in local communities across Scotland. Thanks to everyone who took part.’’

Jo Bucci, Managing Director of People’s Postcode Lottery and one of this year’s Dragons, said: “It’s been a wonderful experience being involved and it has been so rewarding to see all the teams progress and develop into young entrepreneurs.”

Dragons’ Glen will be recruiting teams for this year’s challenge which will start in August. To sign up or for more details email corporate@children1st.org.uk or call 0131 319 1111.

Veterans launch Operation Ragnarok Icelandic Challenge

ONE month, FIVE volcanoes, TWO men – and a pick-up truck!

Two Edinburgh ex-Servicemen today (Tuesday 14 April) launched their challenge to raise as much money as possible for Poppyscotland.

Operation Ragnarok will involve driving on tricky off-road terrain to the summits of five or six volcanoes across Iceland in a Mitsubishi L200 pick-up truck during the month of August.

At an event at the outdoor quarry area of the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho, Matthew (Matt) McHugh (26) and Rhys Rowlands (29) undertook training for the treacherous conditions that they will face during their challenge, which included winching their pick-up truck, named Louis, on a rock face at a near vertical angle!

Matt trained as a mine clearance diver with the Royal Navy for two years but had to leave after being diagnosed with a heart condition. After discharge he received employment training support from Poppyscotland.

Rhys served with 2 SCOTS and retired from the Army last year following a serious leg injury sustained while on tour in Afghanistan.

Both men are passionate about the work of Poppyscotland and are raising funds to ensure that serving and ex-Service people and their families can receive support when they need it, both now and in the future. Their challenge is entirely self-funded which means that all money raised will be donated to Poppyscotland.

The name Operation Ragnarok is derived from an old Norse term that is interpreted as Final Destiny of the Gods and the pair are bracing themselves for a tough time ahead.

Matt said: “I have always wanted to see lava and, admittedly, there might be simpler ways to do this but tackling these volcanoes and reaching the summits is going to be a huge adventure and will test our endurance and stamina to the maximum.

“Raising money for Poppyscotland is just as important as the physical challenge. I was helped by the charity to train for a new career and I want to give something back so that they can carry on helping veterans lead fulfilling lives on their return to civilian life.”

Rhys added: “The rocky, off-road environment and varying climate of Iceland will test our resilience, and perseverance. The attributes and skills we learned in the military will help us to operate in this remote area but it will still be extremely hazardous. As a former soldier, Poppyscotland is a cause close to my heart and I really hope people will get behind Operation Ragnarok and donate as much as they can to help the charity continue to make a difference to those in need.”

Poppyscotland’s events fundraiser Marianne Craig said: “We feel privileged that Matt and Rhys have chosen Poppyscotland to benefit from their fundraising efforts. It is a unique challenge and we admire them for their drive and determination.

“We need to raise money all year round to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community can get the help they need to get their lives back on track. We rely on the enthusiasm and imagination of supporters like Matt and Rhys to help us make a difference and we wish them all the best.”

Matt and Rhys have gained sponsorship and financial support from a number of businesses including JÖTTNAR clothing and Belmont Group. The pair are also grateful to Edinburgh Leisure for hosting the launch at EICA: Ratho.

People can donate at www.justgiving.com/Team-Ragnarok or text 70070 with the letters OPRK88£ and the amount you wish to donate.

Find out more at www.operation-ragnarok.co.uk

Gearing up for Moonwalk – the hottest party in town

All aboard for MoonWalk’s tenth anniversary

The Walk the Walk Team was in St Andrew Square earlier today aboard the Lothian Pink Bus specially branded in The Mad Hatter’s Midnight Tea Party theme of this year’s event!

The MoonWalk Scotland is celebrating its tenth anniversary on 13 June at Inverleith Park and organisers breast cancer charity Walk the Walk are inviting everybody to join them by signing up for one of four different challenges all to raise money, raise awareness, get fit and have fun!

The excitement for the Hottest Party in Town is already building with The Red Hot Chilli Pipers set to perform to thousands of women and men as they enjoy the electric atmosphere before they start their Midnight Challenges.

Edinburgh Castle, Lloyds on the Mound and many other iconic buildings in Scotland’s Capital City will be lit up pink on the night in support of the wonderful walkers and volunteers.

If people feel a wee bit timid about taking their first step in a charity challenge, The MoonWalk offers The New Moon (6.55 miles) with children of 10 years and upwards allowed to take part.

Alice Ferguson , aged 12, says: “ Last year, when I was 12, I heard about the New Moon. I really wanted to take part. On the night everything made me feel so special, the atmosphere was so friendly and exciting. In Moonwalk City my mum and I got a massage, had some food, and danced until we began our journey through Edinburgh.

“I remember walking up towards the castle – it was lit up pink – and everything feeling so magical. I will treasure that memory. I am over the moon to be taking part again in this amazing event this year! The New Moon is a simple, fun thing to raise money for something that is definitely not fun and simple.”

Enjoy The MoonWalk Experience without the worry of walking a long distance but anybody looking for a larger challenge can still enter The Half Moon (13.1 miles), The Full Moon (26.2 miles) and Over The Moon (52.4 miles).

To find out more about Walk the Walk and The MoonWalk Scotland visit www.walkthewalk.org/moonwalkscotland

Sports quiz support for Sick Kids

‘during these worrying times the Drop-In Centre is a haven’ – Michelle (mum)

The Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF) is calling on sports fans to pit their knowledge against rival teams at this year’s Ultimate Sports Quiz to help the charity raise funds for the Drop in Centre at the children’s hospital.

The Foundation is looking for supporters to enter teams of five or ten to battle it out at The Ghillie Dhu on Thursday 23 April, after last year’s event raised £10,700 for the hospital’s Wayfinding signpost system.

This year the charity aims to raise £18,500 for the SKFF Drop in Centre, which provides a non-clinical atmosphere where patients, siblings, families and friends can spend time together away from the hospital.

Last year the centre welcomed more than 650 patients and 1,700 parents, including the Harnwell family of Rosyth in Fife. Mum Michelle visits the Drop in Centre regularly when accompanying her 7-year-old daughter Olivia and 9-year-old son Ben (pictured top) to appointments at the RHSC.

Michelle said: “Olivia has cerebral palsy and as a result visits the Sick Kids regularly for crucial orthopaedic appointments. My son Ben also has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia so we visit the hospital every month so he can receive life-saving chemotherapy treatment and blood and platelet transfusions.

“During these worrying times the Drop in Centre is a haven – it’s somewhere you can go for a relaxing, reliable chat located within the hospital grounds. The team are second to none and their professional, empathetic and approachable nature always puts me at ease.

“As well as having the opportunity to meet with other parents who are going through a similar experience, the centre provides complementary therapy which helps keep you sane after spending hours in the hospital ward worrying about your little one.”

The SKFF’s Drop in Centre was the first of its kind in the UK when it opened its doors in 2006 and the funds raised from the Ultimate Sports Quiz will help to meet the £135,000 the charity invests in the centre each year.

SKFF supporters and sports buffs attending this year’s quiz will be treated to a drink and tasty supper before having the opportunity to get their hands on priceless sporting items at the event auction.

The quiz itself will be hosted by Scottish sport pundit Scott Wilson and quizmaster Johnny Craig.

Rachel McKenzie, head of voluntary fundraising at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “We’re very excited to welcome quiz teams from across Edinburgh to join long-time SKFF supporter Scott Wilson at the eighth annual Ultimate Sports Quiz.

“I know Scott will have no problem putting attendees’ sporting knowledge under the spotlight on what is sure to be a great night of fun and fundraising. There’s still time to secure your place and help us continue to fund a fantastic facility which benefits thousands of families each year, including the Harnwells.”

The SKFF’s Ultimate Sports Quiz takes place from 7pm on Thursday, 23 April at The Ghillie Dhu, 2 Rutland Street.

Tickets are priced at £45 per person, £225 for a team of five or £450 for a team of ten and can be purchased from Linda Cameron on 0131 668 4949 or linda.cameron@luht.scot.nhs.uk.

Putting the boot in for Fresh Start

Customised Doc Martens raise over £1000 in raffle for local charity Fresh Start

The Dr. Martens Edinburgh team demonstrated its ongoing support for the local art and charity scene when they attended the fifth annual Scottish Tattoo Convention recently.

The global footwear brand set-up shop alongside some of the world’s most renowned artists and entertainers at the Corn Exchange, in aid of the homelessness charity Fresh Start.

An impressive line-up of tattooists from the convention set to work in customising Dr. Martens’ product with an inked-based twist.

Making use of mixed-mediums, products were embellished with hand-drawn or painted designs as well as leather tattooing or etching, raising over £1,000 as part of a charity raffle – the proceeds from which will support people who have been homeless to resettle successfully.

Dr. Martens Edinburgh store manager, Jenni Birrell said: “After a huge success last year, we are so pleased that this year has been equally as triumphant. The team are big fans of tattoo culture – myself included – so being a part of the convention is a perfect fit.

“We selected Fresh Start as our chosen charity for the second year running because of the close work they do in helping the city’s community and it’s important to us to do our bit on a local level.”

Keith Robertson, Managing Director of Fresh Start, said: “We are delighted that Dr. Martens has chosen to support Fresh Start once again at such a well-attended international event. Each year we provide goods and support to over 2,000 of the most vulnerable households in Edinburgh and this is only possible due to the support we receive from the wider community.

“Dr. Martens’ support will enable us to help people who are moving into an empty tenancy with the goods they need to make their house a home.”