Tom Gilzean to receive Edinburgh Award

‘Inspiring ‘ 94 year old has raised over £100,000 for charity

Edinburgh war veteran and charity worker Thomas Gilzean has been named as the eighth person to receive the much-coveted Edinburgh Award.

The former Royal Engineer has been selected to receive the accolade from a shortlist of 25 nominations cast by the Edinburgh public. He will receive the title and an engraved Loving Cup at a ceremony at the City Chambers early next year.

Mr Gilzean, who was presented with the British Empire Medal by the Lord Provost in 2013, can regularly be found fundraising in his trademark tartan trousers along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. He has raised more than £100,000 for local causes, and continues to dedicate his time fundraising at the age of 94.

His handprints will be immortalised on a flagstone in the City Chambers quadrangle alongside those of previous recipients Ian Rankin, JK Rowling, George Kerr, Sir Chris Hoy, Professor Peter Higgs, Elizabeth Blackadder and Professor Richard Demarco.

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Councillor Donald Wilson, said: “The Edinburgh Award enables the people of Edinburgh to pay a lasting tribute to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the city. To date, the accolade has been given to people who have contributed to the arts, literature, sport and science – but local charitable work deserves to be held in just as high regard.

“Tom Gilzean is an inspiring man who devotes his life to raising fantastic amounts of money for charity, and we are extremely fortunate in this city to have people like him who so selflessly give up their time for the good of their community.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce Tom as the eighth person to be presented with the Edinburgh Award. Having received more nominations than any other individual, he is a local champion for the people of Edinburgh.”

New puzzles for Sick Kids

The Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) has taken delivery of a haul of new puzzles thanks to the generosity of the local community.

Hoards of brand new puzzles have been gifted to the hospital by company Jumbo Games following its ‘Bring Back Jigsaw Puzzle’ amnesty. The appeal, which ran in October and November, asked members of the public to donate old puzzles to the Hobbycraft store at Fort Kinnaird in exchange for money off new ones. For every jigsaw puzzle received, a brand new one was donated to the hospital.

Lorna Galbraith, Play Specialist at the Sick Kids said: “We’re thrilled to see these new puzzles delivered in time for Christmas. Play is so important for children in hospital. It lifts their spirits and helps them to relax by making a really abnormal environment, normal.”

Gray Richmond, Managing Director, Jumbo Games said: “It has been great to see the community rally together and lend its support to the recent amnesty. For each puzzle donated by a member of the public to the Hobbycraft Fort Kinnaird, we are able to provide the Royal Hospital for Sick Children with a brand new jigsaw for patients and their families to enjoy. “We hope that these donations will bring as much joy to those who use them as it has to us overseeing this project.”

Spartans supporting the community at Christmas

Help us help our local community this Christmas

The Spartans Community Football Academy would like to extend support to local charities in the North Edinburgh area this Christmas. This year we are continuing our annual support of the Ashbrook Salvation Army based on Ferry Road.

We would also like to extend our support to food banks in our local area. We will be supporting the food banks based at the Granton Baptist Church and The Prentice Centre.

Christmas Appeal Poster

You can support the Academy appeal by donating:

clothing and toiletries
Tinned fruit/veg, pasta sauce, tinned fish, breakfast cereals and bars

Donations can be dropped off at the main office at The Spartans Community Football Academy, 94 Pilton Drive, Edinburgh.

We will arrange for all donations made to be delivered to the local charities we are supporting on Monday 22 December.

The Spartans Community Football Academy

Praise for Scotland's volunteers

Make volunteering your New Year resolution!

Community Empowerment Minister Marco Biagi has applauded the work of one million Scots who volunteer in their communities and is encouraging more people to take up volunteering in 2015.

Around three in ten adults gave up their time for organisations in Scotland in 2013, with those numbers expected to rise thanks to the record numbers of volunteers who helped make Glasgow 2014 the greatest ever Games.

Of those who volunteer regularly, around 23 per cent contribute to youth or children’s organisations, 21 per cent help with health, disability and social welfare organisations and 20 per cent volunteer with children’s activities at schools.

Mr Biagi made the plea as he wrapped up warm for a morning volunteering with the Bethany Christian Trust’s Caring Christmas Trees project in Edinburgh.

The charity relies on volunteers giving up their time to help customers pick out, wrap and carry their trees, with proceeds from the purchase of Caring Christmas Trees in Edinburgh funding the charity’s Winter Care Shelter, which gives rough-sleepers a hot meal and a safe place to sleep during the freezing festive period.

Scotland’s passion for volunteering will be maximised in 2015 by a £114,400 funding boost to Volunteer Scotland to build on the passion of the 15,000 Clyde-siders.

Mr Biagi said: “Over the next few weeks, thousands of volunteers across the country will be giving up their time to help their communities. Whether it’s through bag packing, befriending, carol singing or helping out at homeless shelters, these people are making a real impact and bringing cheer to those who need it most.

“Projects like Caring Christmas Trees provide a crucial life-line to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and it’s been great to spend time at the project helping out and listening to people’s stories. It really brings the message home about the value of volunteers.

“Volunteering is for everyone and can open up new opportunities to develop talents, boost self-confidence and help others. It’s something I’d encourage everyone to think about this Christmas and consider as a resolution for 2015.”

Iain Gordon, Chief Executive Officer, Bethany Christian Trust said: Without volunteers, much of our work would not be possible. We are delighted that the Scottish Government is encouraging people to volunteer and that Marco Biagi is supporting our Caring Christmas Trees project in aid of homeless people in Edinburgh.”

Keep animals safe this winter

The Scottish SPCA is urging people to help animals stay safe this winter

Scotland’s animal welfare charity has issued advice to pet owners, farmers and wildlife enthusiasts as the temperature falls.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Freezing weather can be very dangerous for domestic pets, equines, farm animals and wildlife.

“Dog owners should keep their pets on the lead near frozen waterways and people must never go after their dog if it walks out onto the ice. Each year we hear of incidents where people have tried to rescue their pet from a frozen river or lake, often with tragic consequences, and we want both animals and their owners stay safe.

“We would always recommend owners wash their dogs’ feet after they have been walking on gritted roads as salt can be an irritant to the paws and can upset the digestive system if ingested.

“Those with cats should make adequate provisions for them by ensuring they have access to somewhere warm when the temperature drops and all pets kept outdoors will need extra food, bedding and access to unfrozen drinking water. In the worst winter weather, owners of rabbits, guinea pigs and other animals kept in outdoor hutches should move them inside where possible.

“Antifreeze is one of the most common causes of cat poisoning, particularly in the winter months, and can result in a horrific death. We would urge anyone servicing their car to take extra care and ensure any spillages are cleaned up and disposed of properly as it could save an animal’s life.

“Treacherous conditions makes it hard for farmers to monitor their livestock but, again, it is vital they have access to unfrozen drinking water and food.”

Anyone who finds an animal in distress over the winter period is being encouraged to contact the charity for help and advice.

Chief Supt Flynn added, “Last year we dealt with a large number of wildlife casualties such as underweight hedgehogs found struggling to survive and orphaned or injured seal pups.

“Wildlife lovers can feed birds to help them through the winter as their natural food sources will be scarce at this time of year.

“Anyone who spots a distressed animal should call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Don't buy a pet this Christmas

‘A pet is a lifelong commitment’ – Scottish SPCA

The Scottish SPCA is advising people not to buy pets as Christmas presents for fear of a surge in abandonments. As Scotland’s animal welfare charity prepares for its busiest time of year, they hope many pets will be spared the heartbreak of being dumped like unwanted gifts.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “It’s an upsetting reality that in the weeks and months after Christmas our centres are often asked to take in puppies, kittens and other pets given as presents once the novelty has worn off.

“Or, even worse, some of these pets are abandoned and left to fend for themselves.
“Clearly in these instances the owners hadn’t realised that the young pet which was great fun at Christmas would need to be housetrained and properly socialised and that this would require effort on their part.

“Every year we stress that animals should never be bought on a whim or given as surprise presents, but some people clearly aren’t getting the message. In January this year we took in over 240 dogs, a 9% rise on the previous year and around 250 cats – over 30% more than in 2013.

“Although we can’t be certain, it’s possible many of these animals were bought as gifts and for that reason we are asking people to consider whether they have the time and financial resources to be able to properly care for an animal.”

In order to reduce the risks of people taking on pets to give away as presents, the Scottish SPCA will stop rehoming puppies, kittens and baby animals between 19 December and 3 January.

Chief Supt. Flynn added, “We have to ensure our rescue animals aren’t being taken on by someone who just wants a new pet for Christmas.

“However, our animal rescue and rehoming centres will be open to the public throughout the festive period, including Christmas Day, and young animals can be reserved during this time.

“Our message is simple, a pet is a lifelong commitment and not a present which can be given at Christmas and then forgotten about.”

Barratt Homes launch festive food bank support

Barratt Homes has set up a foodbank collection point at their regional head office in Edinburgh.

The foodbank, which will operate until 19 December, has been set up in aid of Edinburgh North West and Central foodbanks, part of The Trussell Trust Network which provides food packs to people who are in crisis.

The foodbank collection point has been set up for Barratt employees, family and friends to donate urgently needed goods like coffee, UHT milk, custard, tinned meat and chocolate. The team at Edinburgh North West and Central foodbanks will make several collections from Barratt throughout December before processing the items and delivering to those that are in need.

Alison Condie, managing director Barratt East Scotland said; “With the party season commencing, we felt it was important to give something to those in need and we are delighted to support Edinburgh North West and Central foodbanks. We’ve had a great response from employees so far and we hope to donate a significant amount of food over the festive period.”

Ewan Walker, operations manager, Edinburgh Food Project, added; “We need to receive over 4,000kg of food each month in order to meet demand and this increases by 50% in the run up to Christmas when we give out extras such as mince pies and selection boxes. We really appreciate large companies like Barratt coming on board, setting up their own collection points. Not only does it boost food donations, but it raises awareness of our cause with employees.”

Barratt East Scotland’s foodbank collection will run until Friday 19 December.

Circle joins #GivingTuesday: 'communities not consumerism'

Circle joins the UK’s #GivingTuesday movement to boost giving

Circle has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving, which encourages people and businesses to give their time, money or voice to charity for one day.

#GivingTuesday – 2 December – will provide a charitable antidote to the pre-Christmas consumer boom, falling directly after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It will ask people to follow two of the big pre-Christmas shopping days with a day of doing good, asking them to do one simple charitable act on the day and it is hoped that #GivingTuesday in the UK will replicate the successes of the US, where they have seen a huge spike in donations on the day.

With this being the first year of Giving Tuesday in the UK, we decided to launch a Christmas Campaign alongside Giving Tuesday and are asking for donations to allow us to host Christmas parties for marginalised children and families across Scotland.

We are running a social media campaign to raise awareness of our cause and have an exciting video clip highlighting our campaign, featuring our patron, David Tennant.

“#Giving Tuesday highlights the importance of giving back and allows people to reflect upon the consumerism that can often overshadow community spirit at Christmas. This year we are hoping to raise money to allow Circle to organise Christmas celebrations for the children and families supported across Scotland. We’re delighted to be involved with Giving Tuesday and hope that the movement continues to grow next year,” said Circle CEO Liz Dahl.

#GivingTuesday is led in the UK by the Charities Aid Foundation, with support from Blackbaud. Leaders from businesses, charities and the media have joined them to explore how they can boost donations to charity and volunteering and create a giving movement in the UK.

Corporate and charitable organisations are constantly signing up to be partners and participate in the initiative this year. The campaign was launched in the US in 2012 by 92nd Street Y, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation and has since become a global movement, with Canada, Mexico, Israel, Australia, Singapore and Latin America all getting on board in 2013. Last year the campaign had 10,000 partners worldwide.

John Low, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing #GivingTuesday to the UK and it is fantastic that so many brilliant businesses and charities are getting involved.

“We’re bringing #GivingTuesday to the UK to provide a contrast to the peak shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to remind us that the spirit of the festive season should be about community and not just consumerism. We hope that we can capture the imagination of the British public and permanently establish a day in the calendar to celebrate giving and the fantastic work charities are doing all over the country.”

Henry Timms, 92Y’s Executive Director, said: “It’s been a privilege to work with remarkable leaders all over the world building a movement around #GivingTuesday. This initiative has been crowdsourced by some of the smartest and most connected minds among the next generation of philanthropists and entrepreneurs.”

Those interested in joining Circle’s #GivingTuesday initiative can view our promotional video: http://bit.ly/CircleGivingTuesday and can share/retweet our campaign materials over the coming days and encourage people to donate.

Facebook /CircleScotland

Twitter @CircleScotland

www.circlescotland.org

For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit #GivingTuesday

website: www.givingtuesday.org.uk, Facebook page

or follow @givingtuesdayuk and #GivingTuesday hashtag on Twitter.

Muirhouse to aid Syrian refugees

“We hope this appeal will make a big difference to people who are living as refugees in tents in cold winter weather” – Edinburgh Direct Aid

Muirhouse Community Shop is to be a collection point for the latest Edinburgh Direct Aid appeal. The community shop on Pennywell Road recently worked with EDA when the shop assisted with the Toys for Gaza appeal and will now support an initiative to aid Syrian refugees.

The latest appeal is for winter goods, such as coats, boots, jackets etc and anyone can drop of their donation to the shop five days a week.

Lisa Anderson, EDA Secretary said: “Edinburgh Direct Aid has launched a new appeal to send a further container of aid to Syrian refugees. We have previously sent a container of winter clothing and another with a 4×4 ambulance and food supplies. We have a small warehouse in Granton, but we are delighted that TRIM have offered use of the community shop to make it easier for people to drop off donations for this latest appeal.

“We are hoping to collect winter coats, boots, wellies and toiletries over the next few weeks with the help of the volunteer staff at TRIM. We hope this appeal will make a big difference to people who are living as refugees in tents in cold winter weather.”

Community Shop manager Robert Pearson said: ” We were delighted when Lisa contacted us asking for our help. I believe that residents will feel as though they are making a difference by giving something small. At this time of year many of us will buy a new coat, jumper, etc. and we are asking for you to drop your old ones off at the shop. Shop volunteers will be on hand to advise any resident who may have questions. Muirhouse Community Shop will NOT be accepting any cash donations for this appeal – we are purely accepting goods on this occasion.”

Tenants & Residents In Muirhouse (TRIM)

Website – http://muirhouseresidents.co.uk
Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/trimgroup
Also on Twitter – http://twitter.com/MuirhouseTRIM

Get set for Inverleith's Christmas Charity Festival

The Christmas Charity Festival returns to Inverleith Park on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December.

The festival is an annual event which looks to raise lots of money for many local and national charities ranging from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home to Simpsons Special Babies Unit. Councillor, Lesley Hinds will open the proceedings on the Saturday morning, while MSP Malcolm Chisholm will start off the proceedings for our Santa Toddle at 1pm.

This year’s programme includes:

Santa arriving on his sleigh pulled by real Reindeer to open the Festival.

On Sunday afternoon Santa and his reindeer will lead the Santa Toddle Parade from Stockbridge into Inverleith Park, where all the kids can get involved.

Choirs, brass bands and groups will entertain throughout Saturday whilst the public can browse the many charity and gift stalls or rest awhile in our refreshment area.

Come along to our annual Carol Service at 3pm on Saturday and afterwards be our guest and have free glass of warm mulled wine with a hot mince pie in our main marquee.

Santa’s Grotto will be open all day Saturday & Sunday. Book early as it tends to sell out fast, especially as Santa will have his real reindeer with him. Last year many said, “It is one of the best Grottos in Edinburgh!”

Our new “Toddle Tent” will be open all day Saturday & Sunday. Providing lots of things for the wee ones including; soft play area, card making, ginger bread decorating, storytelling and lots, lots more.

Brand new for this year, Santa’s Reindeer! Bring the little ones to see Santa and his real reindeer in their pen. Open from 10am Saturday & Sunday.

On the Sunday, Adults can also run in our 5K, walk or stroll in our 6mile Christmas Walk, for your chosen charity.

For more info visit www.christmascharityfestival.com or give us a call on 0131 208 2500