Tag: donations

Why are there scarves on Edinburgh’s iconic dog statues?

EDINBURGH DOG AND CAT HOME LAUNCHES WINTER APPEAL

As winter sets in, the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is reaching out for support through its urgent Winter Appeal, aimed at providing vital care for animals in need through much needed donations.

This year, the charity has faced a record number of animal admissions, with nearly 400 new arrivals between September 2023 and August 2024, coinciding with all-time high operational costs.

To raise awareness for their cause, the Home has adorned Edinburgh’s iconic statues of Greyfriars Bobby and Bum the Dog with scarves and blankets, symbolising the warmth and compassion that the community can provide to vulnerable animals and their owners during these cold months.

The Winter Appeal is critical, as it helps the charity sustain its operations and provide essential services. It is estimated to cost over £22,000 this winter to solely heat the Home on top of regular services which sit at £7,000 per day.

Between January and June this year, the Home provided 306,247 meals to pets in Edinburgh, which is the equivalent of the weight of two and a half Lothian buses, and between January to August they successfully rehomed 150 cats and dogs.

Unfortunately, the demand for services has escalated, with the Home’s helpline receiving a staggering 872 hours of calls (equivalent to watching every James Bond film 17 times!) between January and June 2024. 

Those six months also saw the Home receive a 10% increase in surrender requests compared to the same period in 2023.

The Home is appealing to members of the public, businesses and groups to get involved and show love and warmth to the animals who rely on its vital support by donating funds to their Winter Appeal. 

Communities can also get involved – for example, by hosting a pet food drive, or organising a fundraising Christmas jumper day or even daring to face the cold dip challenge – all helping to raise vital funds and significantly helping pet owners from having to surrender their beloved pets.

“The warm scarves and blankets adorning the Greyfriars Bobby and Bum the Dog statues serve as a beautiful reminder of the love and compassion we can extend to our vulnerable animals. These iconic figures, known for their loyalty, symbolise the bond we share with our pets, and together we can ensure that no animal in need is left without care and warmth this winter.

“The need for our services continues to grow, and it’s through the kindness of our supporters that we’ve been able to assist both pet owners and their beloved animals. Our helpline received 17,995 calls in the first half of this year alone, already surpassing the 17,021 calls we received in the entirety of 2023.

“Every donation counts – Just £10 pays for essential vaccinations for a cat for a whole year. A donation of £150 can keep all our dogs and cats warm for a day, and £25 is enough to keep a hungry dog’s belly full for a whole month.”

The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has been serving the community for over 140 years, offering a second chance to countless animals. This winter they are calling upon the community to help ensure that no animal is left without love and care.

To support the Winter Appeal, please visit www.edch.org.uk/winterappeal or text WARMHEARTS to 70085 to donate £10.

Edinburgh Libraries receive donations of children’s books from 36 visiting UNESCO Cities of Literature

In October 2004, Edinburgh was designated the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, a permanent title celebrating Edinburgh’s status as a literary capital and pioneer in the UNESCO Creative Cities network.

The concept of a City of Literature was devised in Edinburgh by the Trust’s founding members Jenny Brown OBE, Catherine Lockerbie, James Boyle and Lorraine Fannin, trailblazing the way – there are now 53 UNESCO Cities of Literature across the world. 

To mark the occasion, 60 representatives from Cities of Literature destinations across the global network came to Edinburgh for a four day conference as part of The Scottish International Storytelling Festival last week (21-25 Oct 2024).

The conference helped mark the achievements of the past two decades and to make plans for the future – ensuring that Edinburgh continues to stay firmly on the literary map.

As part of this conference the Cities of Literature attending from all over the globe carried on the annual tradition of donating a selection of books to the hosting city.  This year’s donations sees a range of diverse and beautifully illustrated children’s books in the original language of each of these UNESCO Cities gifted to the Central Lending Library in Edinburgh.  

Keira Brown, Communications and Community Manager for Edinburgh City of Literature Trust, said: ‘It’s a wonderful initiative that the Cities of Literature decide to donate picture books from their city, showcasing the range of talent from this global network, giving back to Edinburgh for welcoming these delegates to the city for the week, such a beautiful idea reflecting the international connection that is so beneficial for the sector here in Edinburgh.’

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Keira Brown from Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust and UNESCO Cities of Literature Coordinator, Hannah Trevarthen, with a selection of the donated books.

Nottingham’s City of Literature Director and UNESCO Cities of Literature Chair, Hannah Trevarthen, said: “It’s a fantastic tradition, donating children’s books to the city hosting the meeting every year, and one we hope will long continue.

“It’s our thank-you to the city for all of the hard work that goes into hosting the Cities of Literature delegates.’We hope that the children of Edinburgh will be inspired by the books from other Cities of Literature from around the world.’’

Within Edinburgh City of Literature Trust’s twenty year span, they have helped grow a global network of international literary cities, for the benefit of writers and literature professionals, bringing opportunities for paid commissions, supporting creative practice and broadening literary networks internationally.

At a more local level in Scotland, the Trust’s work has ranged from high profile campaigns to community-based Edinburgh projects, with bold, innovative work bringing communities together – connecting readers and writers as well as literary organisations in the Scottish literature scene.

The Trust has also long partnered with Edinburgh Library service, working to advocate the importance of librarians and libraries across the city.

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker, said: ““Donating children’s books is a wonderful tradition within the UNESCO Cities of Literature Network. Through our ongoing partnership we are thrilled to see this meaningful gesture from such a diverse network of cities. 

“As the founding city of this international cohort of UNESCO Cities of Literature, we take immense pride in celebrating our 20th anniversary, and I truly hope this wonderful tradition continues for many years to come.”

Edinburgh City of Literature Trust birthday also contributes to the on-going Edinburgh 900 celebrations; marking the 900 year anniversary of Edinburgh – a city-wide celebration of Edinburgh’s history, culture and future.

PICS: Neil Hanna

Starmer’s Labour all about greed and power, says resigning Labour MP

CANTERBURY MP Rosie Duffield has resigned from the Labour Party, criticising Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer – now labelled Free Gear Keir – for accepting thousands of pounds worth of personal items while at the same time removing Winter Fuel Payments from thousands of struggling pensioners.

Ms Duffield will now sit as an Independent MP.

Her scathingly critical letter is below:

Call to manage risks of cashless giving after 60% of Edinburgh residents donated in 2023

Ansvar, an insurer specialising in the charity, not-for-profit, and faith sectors, is calling for charities and donors in Edinburgh to manage the risks associated with cashless giving.

The advice comes in response to findings from the Charities Aid Foundation, which highlighted significant shifts in donation trends, particularly towards online and cashless methods.

According to the Foundation’s 2024 annual UK Giving Report [1], British citizens contributed an estimated £13.9 billion to charitable causes in 2023, with an estimated 60% of Edinburgh residents having donated during the year. [2] This total represents an increase from £12.7 billion in 2022.

The typical donation remained at £20, demonstrating the continued generosity of the public. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the landscape of charitable giving, with a marked decline in cash donations.

In 2019, 51% of donations were made in cash compared to 2021 when it dropped to 29%. In 2022, four in ten people who donated did so via direct debit. [3]

Martyn Fletcher, Deputy Managing Director at Ansvar, emphasised the importance of adapting to changing donation habits while managing associated risks.

Martyn said: “The shift towards cashless giving presents both opportunities and challenges for charities and donors alike. While it provides greater convenience and accessibility for donors, it does mean new challenges for charities in protecting against emerging risks.

“As cashless giving becomes increasingly prevalent, it is vital for charities to prioritise cybersecurity, implementing stringent protocols to safeguard data and donations.”

In light of these developments, Ansvar recommends implementing robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard donor information and financial transactions.

This includes regularly updating security protocols, investing in secure payment gateways, ensuring organisations have relevant insurance protection, and providing staff with cybersecurity training.

Additionally, Ansvar advises donors to exercise vigilance when contributing to charitable causes online, emphasising the importance of verifying the legitimacy of donation platforms and ensuring the confidentiality of personal and financial information.

While acknowledging the inherent risks, Ansvar underscores the numerous benefits of cashless giving, including the ability to make and receive instant donations and the expansion of fundraising channels. With options ranging from handheld card readers to QR codes and text-to-donate services, cashless giving offers convenience and flexibility for both charities and donors.

Martyn Fletcher added: “As the trend towards cashless giving continues to grow, it’s vital for charities and donors to work together to mitigate risks and maximise the impact of charitable contributions.”

Charities and donors are encouraged to follow Ansvar’s guidance to ensure the safe and effective management of cashless donations.

[1]https://www.cafonline.org/docs/default-source/about-us-research/uk_giving_report_2024_final.pdf?sfvrsn=8ac35647_2

[2] https://www.cafonline.org/about-us/research/uk-giving-report

[3] https://www.cafonline.org/docs/default-source/about-us-research/uk_giving_2023.pdf

Donate unwanted Christmas gifts to the BHF this January

DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD!

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is calling for the nation to kick start their 2024 by having a declutter and donating any unwanted Christmas gifts.

Decluttering can make the home feel much calmer post-Christmas, so whether it’s a jumper that doesn’t fit, a game you won’t play, or a book you already have, the BHF will welcome any generous donations which can be resold to fund lifesaving research.

Rather than let your unwanted items gather dust, simply pop them in the post by downloading a freepost label or take them down to your local BHF shop. The BHF gladly receives any quality items including clothing, jewellery, books, and games, and saves over 56,000 tonnes of goods from going to landfill every year.

Dr Helen Nuttall is a BHF retail ambassador, doctor of neuroscience and charity shop influencer. She says: “This new year, I’ll be decluttering and donating any unwanted items to the BHF. Donating to charity and having a clear out can increase dopamine in your brain and help you escape the January blues.

“With prices continuing to rise, it’s important to keep our charity shop shelves stocked for those who might need them. So, if there are any Christmas gifts lying around that you won’t use, consider donating them to your local BHF!”

Allison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at the British Heart Foundation says, “At the BHF, we depend on the generous donations from the public to continue to fund our lifesaving research.

“If you find yourself with one or two unused gifts lying around, why not make use of them and start the new year off by givingback?

“If you have any items that you want to donate, simply drop them off at any of our 680 BHF shops or post them for free. Every item sold will help keep families together for Christmases to come!”

Decluttering tips from the BHF:

  1. Ask for help.  Get your family and friends involved and ask them to help find items they might not use after Christmas. Children and teenagers can search their rooms for quality gadgets, games, and toys to give to charity.
  2. Start small. Declutter in small chunks. Set small goals, like clearing a certain drawer or wardrobe. Any quality items you won’t use can be donated, including phones and tablets. There are simple steps on our website on how to get devices ready to donate, and all data will be erased by the BHF using software before being resold.
  3. Set a routine. Rather than tackling it all at once, set decluttering as a daily activity. Once you have finished one large declutter, you can spend 30 minutes each day topping it up and keeping your spaces clear.

To donate unwanted Christmas gifts to the BHF, visit bhf.org.uk/shop/donating-goods

Aldi hits milestone of 30 million meals donated – with 137,000 in Edinburgh

Aldi has officially donated 30 million meals to good causes since launching its food donations initiative in 2019, with 137,938 meals being donated to local communities in Edinburgh. 

In partnership with community giving platform Neighbourly, all of the supermarket’s stores in Edinburgh are partnered with foodbanks, charities and community groups, who receive surplus food year-round.   

As a result of the successful partnership, more than 4,000 good causes across the country have now benefitted from the scheme, including soup kitchens and children’s breakfast clubs.  

The milestone follows Aldi’s donation of £250,000 to Neighbourly to launch its Emergency Winter Foodbank Fund to further support increased demand during the cold months. 

Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK, said: “Donating 137,938 meals in Edinburgh through our partnership with Neighbourly is an amazing achievement, with the initiative now more vital than ever for local community groups and charities who face soaring demand.  

“We’re committed to doing all that we can to support people in the communities where we trade, and through our partnership with Neighbourly we have helped to make food more accessible for those in Edinburgh.” 

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “We’ve worked with Aldi for several years to help them further their support for those in need.

“The cost-of-living crisis is impacting communities in Edinburgh and we’ve seen the demand on foodbanks and local causes increase drastically since our partnership began. 

“The support of the public and businesses like Aldi makes a huge difference. We know the donations have helped thousands of charities, community groups and families in need.” 

Aldi has also recently extended its partnership with Company Shop Group to help excess stock from its network of Regional Distribution Centres be redistributed to community stores across the UK.  

Charities and community groups interested in working with Aldi should contact Neighbourly at aldi@neighbourly.com. 

Help a Child to Thrive: Quarriers launches summer appeal

Quarriers, has launched its summer fundraising appeal to allow more than 1,000 children to enjoy the gift of new experiences and positive memories. 

Now in its 9th year, the summer appeal allows Quarriers to organise carefree days out and activity sessions for the vulnerable children and young people it supports across Scotland. With donations starting at as little as £5, Quarriers is encouraging the nation to donate and help fund opportunities for children to escape the daily pressures they face.

The children and youngsters helped by the appeal face a range of challenging circumstances and include young carers, children with additional needs, children living in poverty, young people who require residential support, individuals dealing with mental health and children living with disabilities.

Many of the challenges faced by those supported are heavy for young shoulders to carry and the summer appeal puts youngsters at its heart, giving them a chance to put their problems aside and truly be a child for the day.

Over the last two years, the Covid-19 pandemic has put more pressure on the children Quarriers supports, as the challenges of lockdown continued, and some youngsters faced the impact of long-Covid. This has underlined the importance of the summer campaign and the positive impact it brings to the lives of hundreds.

Support worker Mary Nadar provides Quarriers Let’s Talk service at Tinto Primary School, delivering vital mental health support for children who may be struggling with the social, emotional or educational elements of school life, and knows just how valuable the summer appeal is.

She said: “Having worked with Tinto Primary School and many other schools across Glasgow for a number of years now, I’ve seen the truly positive impact the summer appeal can have on the children involved.

“For many of the children we support, the summer holidays can be quite daunting, and they often don’t have the same opportunities as their classmates to relax and enjoy fun-filled days out.

“Thanks to the support and generosity of those who donate to Quarriers’ summer appeal, the children have positive experiences which directly impacts on their wellbeing, enhances their independence and helps them get further involved in their local communities.”

The activities are tailored to suit the children and families supported by Quarriers, taking into account their various support needs as well as what they enjoy doing. With donations from the summer appeal, the charity hopes to set up trips to the seaside, art galleries, parks, and the cinema as well as giving the children the chance to try everything from paddleboarding to archery to trampolining.

Ruth Park, Fundraising and Digital Content Manager at Quarriers, said: “Over the past two years, our teams have worked with nearly 3,000 young people and children across Scotland and the long-term impact of the pandemic is clear.

“We’re seeing a significant increase in mental health issues, an increase in young carers who haven’t had a break from their caring responsibilities due to family members shielding and also children with long Covid.

“The lasting impact these fun-filled outings and activities can have on vulnerable children should not be underestimated. For as little as £5, you will allow even just one child the chance to escape their worries for a day and create happy memories that will last long after the summer holidays.

“Our Quarriers Children Fund relies entirely on kind donations from local communities which is why we’re asking the public to back our appeal and show their support for vulnerable young people and children across Scotland, to ensure they don’t just survive the summer holidays, but thrive.” 

A gift of £5 will provide one child with a day out and gifts of any amount are welcome.

Supporters can make a contribution by visiting:

 https://quarriers.org.uk/fund

Auction results speak volumes in fight against meningitis

An auction of books left in a legacy has raised over £1,000 to help fight meningitis.

The money will be used to support charity Meningitis Now’s work to defeat meningitis in the UK within a generation.

Trevor Reid, the charity’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, said: “There was nothing particularly remarkable about this collection of books – it was just the random selection each and every one of us might have on our bookshelves at home.

“It is a powerful reminder though that even those who might not be able to support our lifesaving and life-changing work with a cash legacy gift, particularly in these cash straitened times, can still make a difference to our work fighting meningitis.

“A gift of household items, be it books, a painting, ceramics, or other everyday objects, can be just as significant.

“As the many antique programmes we enjoy on our television screens every week demonstrate time and again, any of these may have greater value than is at first realised.”

Trevor continued: “It’s lovely to be able to celebrate gifts to our charity, large and small, and there’s always a story behind every donation.

“And all these gifts mount up and can help us to be here not just today but for future generations affected by meningitis.”

Although most of the books put up for auction raised a small amount, one lot, a collection of JRR Tolkien books, including old editions of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, raised nearly £500.

Trevor added: “They were in far from pristine condition and nor were they first editions, but they clearly had more than just sentimental value to the person who kindly left them to us, as well as the person who bid generously to buy them at auction.”

Gifts in Wills from supporters are a vital way to help Meningitis Now fulfil its vision of a future where no-one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need to rebuild their lives.

If you’d like to leave a gift in your will to Meningitis Now or make a donation please see the website https://www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/donate/ways-you-can-donate/

Meningitis Now recommends people consult a solicitor before making or changing a will.

Hundreds of books donated to children supported by Home-Start Scotland

More than 2,500 books have been donated to families supported by Home-Start Scotland thanks to a national charity that has been bringing the benefits of reading and writing to people in Scotland for more than 21 years.

The generous donation from Scottish Book Trust will be shared among many of the 30 Home-Starts across Scotland.

Scottish Book Trust Bookbug and Read Write Count bags, will provide donation of picture books suitable for babies, toddlers and children up primary school age.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust said: “Books have the power to change lives. A love of reading inspires creativity. There are many benefits to sharing stories, songs and rhymes with toddlers and pre-schoolers, it gives them the best start in life.

“We are delighted to support Home-Start Scotland and hope these books will support many families within our communities.

“Research proves that reading for pleasure is central in helping to support wellbeing and mental health, positively impacting learners’ attainment across the curriculum, sparking critical thinking, creativity, empathy and resilience.”

Christine Carlin, Director of Home-Start Scotland, said: “We are delighted to receive this wonderful donation from Scottish Book Trust.

“For parents, just a few minutes reading to their children gives them time to step back from the stress of everyday life and enjoy special time with their youngsters.

“Even just sitting closely together looking at a book feels special. For children reading books themselves, it creates a calm, quiet time to build explore and share how they feel, their thoughts and experiences. Reading opens up a world of endless possibilities!”

Home-Start matches highly trained volunteers with local families who need support. Families come to the charity for all sorts of reason – including postnatal depression, coping with twins, isolation and loneliness, disabilities, bereavement or financial worries.

The support is there for as long as the family needs it.

To find your local Home-Start follow the link: https://www.home-start.org.uk/find-your-nearest-home-start

Pictures: Scottish Book Trust

Drumbrae Library Hub seeking donations to support Ukraine

Hello Library friends!

We have started a box for donations to help the people of Ukraine.

We are accepting:Sanitary products – nappies – dental hygiene – first aid kits – bandages – plasters – sterile gloves – wet wipes – canned food – baby formula – bottled water – dummies – baby blankets – regular blankets – thermals – waterproofs – candles – lighters – sleeping mats – sleeping bags – tents – camping pots – camping pans – camping cups – unopened painkillers – glucose tablets – water purifying tablets.

Any donations would be much appreciated.

Thank you.