fundraising event – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

MYDG: Minibus Fundraising

FRIDAY 12th APRIL – 5K WALK or RUN

MEET AT BOARDWALK CAFE at 10.30am

MINIBUS FUNDRAISING

OUR SPONSORED WALK TAKES PLACE ON FRIDAY 12th APRIL

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

WE NOW HAVE A GO FUND ME PAGE LIVE

https://gofund.me/d37c7aa1

Getting into the Spirit of Christmas

A night of festive cheer aims to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK
Call for local community to join the festivities organised by Stagecoach Performing Arts
Helping to support groundbreaking research and life changing support

People in Glasgow and surrounding areas are invited to the Spirit of Christmas annual concert, an evening of uplifting performances, full of festive cheer, on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 December.

The Spirit of Christmas annual concert will take place at Broom Parish Church, Newton Mearns, hosted by Stagecoach Performing Arts. This year will be full of festive songs brought to you by the students of Stagecoach Glasgow.

Gordon Smith, ex-professional footballer and Muscular Dystrophy UK’s ambassador, will be addressing the audience on the Saturday evening to sing with the children.

Jodie Whitham, Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Regional Development Manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland said: “The Spirit of Christmas always feels like the start of the festive season.

“What a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit, with a night of uplifting music, in such beautiful surroundings.

“It’s truly joyful, with so many people giving their time to help us raise awareness and vital funds for people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions. Make sure you don’t miss out on these magical nights!”

Tickets will be available to purchase on the door on each of the evenings.

Adult: £10
Child or concession £5
Family (two adults and two children) £25

For more information on Muscular Dystrophy UK visit musculardystrophyuk.org or call the free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon – Thurs 10am – 2pm).

Strachan House Care Home nets success in football tournament

Residents and staff at Strachan House Care Home in Edinburgh, Archview Care Home and Drummond Grange Care Home in Lasswade put the ‘fun’ into ‘fundraising’ with an inter-home football tournament to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

Residents and staff from each home came together at the astro pitches in Gorebridge for a fantastic afternoon of footie fun. Each team and their supporters dressed for the occasion as the Strachan House Spartans went into battle coming out the victors on the day.

Mandy Head of Activities said “What amazing fun it was to raise funds and see everyone enjoying themselves.

“Our residents have been looking forward to this for a while. We had so much fun preparing for it and despite the scores it was a win win for everyone on the day”.

Alex Morris smiled: “What a great afternoon of football. The atmosphere was incredible and to walk away with the cup was amazing.

“I can’t wait for it to happen again next year! “

Gordon Philp General Manager at Strachan House said: “We love to fundraise for charities throughout the year, we pick different causes to support that have been selected by staff, residents and friends of the home.

“Barchester’s Charitable Foundation is a great cause that helps many people in need, and is a charity very close to ours hearts. Our staff and residents had a fantastic afternoon, so we feel really proud to have been able to raise this money as well as bring the cup home to Strachan House. Thank you to everyone who donated!”

Barchester’s Charitable Foundation supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by giving grants to help them connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.

For more information please visit www.bhcfoundation.org.uk

Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, and respite care for 83 residents.

Cyclists urged to get on their bikes to support Armed Forces Community

Cyclists of all abilities are being encouraged to get on their bikes to take part in Poppyscotland’s annual Sportive in September.

Back for its 8^th year, the event takes place on Sunday 24^th September and is expected to attract more than 800 cyclists to three scenic routes through East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. Tandems and e-bikes are welcome.

The event is Poppyscotland’s biggest fundraiser outside of the Poppy Appeal, and has already raised more than £300,000 to provide vital support for current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families across the country.

This year’s event was launched by cyclists from VIE Velo, a tandem club for visually impaired people and sighed pilots, with Poppyscotland supporter Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Clark, who took part in the 2022 event and is dusting his bike off again for this year.

Allan Balfour, a visually impaired cyclist from VIE Velo who also took part last year, said: “I was delighted to participate in the Poppyscotland Sportive in 2022 and was overwhelmed by the supremely efficient manner in which the event was conducted.

“The Sportive was a great challenge for me – it was the longest ride I have undertaken, and I’m looking forward to returning this year. Most of all though, it was great to be able to support such a deserving cause.”

Lt Col Clark said: “The Sportive is a great cycling event – three routes catering for all abilities, through beautiful landscape, for a great cause.

“Whether you’re a serious road racer looking for a challenge or fancy a more gentle, ‘social’ pace, the Poppyscotland Sportive has something for you. The atmosphere is really friendly, it’s brilliantly organised, and worth remembering that that the funds are being raised for one of Scotland’s most effective and well-respected service charities, supporting those who have stepped up and served the nation, and now need our help. So give it a go – you really won’t regret it!”

Starting and finishing at Prestonpans Community Centre, the three routes range from 45 to 102 miles, taking in the stunning coastal road to North Berwick then looping round the East Lothian countryside.

More adventurous riders will cycle over the Lammermuirs, dipping down to Chirnside and Duns in the Scottish Borders before heading on ward to Midlothian.

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “The Sportive is always a hugely popular event, so we are encouraging cyclists to sign up as soon as possible. We’re really pleased to be welcoming back e-bikes and tandems, following their successful introduction in 2022.

“We keep numbers low to avoid the need for road closures, and the intimate and friendly feel of the event is one of its attractions. The route takes in stunning coastal views and country roads, while the timed hill climb will challenge more experienced cyclists.

“I’m very grateful to all the cyclists who have helped to raise more than £300,000 to provide vital welfare support to families across Scotland, from help with housing and employment to mental and physical health issues.”

The Sportive is an ‘open road’ cycling event, meaning that no roads will be closed, to minimise disruption to the public.

For more information or to register, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive

Tickets on sale for Edinburgh Christmas Childline Concert

FRIDAY 25th NOVEMBER

Edinburgh’s Childline Christmas Concert returns this year for the first time since Covid-19 hit the country.

The event has not been held for the past two years due to social distancing and this year will mark 26 years since the festive service began in the city.

Over the years, the concert has raised tens of thousands of pounds to help children and young people across Scotland.

The event, being held in Central Hall on Friday, November 25, from 7pm to 9.30pm, will feature performances by hundreds of young musicians from across the city’s schools.

All ticket and raffle sales from the night will go to the NSPCC-run Childline service in Scotland. The service provides 24-hour support for children and young people, providing them with a safe and confidential place to talk about whatever may be worrying them.

It is the only service there for children 24/7 during the upcoming festive period.

The last concert in 2019 raised more than £4,000 for the charity, and the hope is to reach an even higher target this year.

Caroline Renton, supporter fundraising manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “This concert is a wonderful Christmas tradition and the perfect way to kick-start the festive season.

“Many people look forward to this event each year so it’s wonderful to welcome it back again.

“As well as a great night of entertainment, the concert supports our vital Childline service which is a genuine lifeline for children and young people around the country.

“At the NSPCC, we know that for children suffering abuse and neglect, Christmas can be a particularly difficult time and we want to be there for them through their darkest hours.

“We can only provide this support at Christmas and the rest of the year with the aid of public donations, so this concert is hugely important to ensuring children in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland can receive support when they need it most.”

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Convener for Education, Children & Families, at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Childline is a vital service which provides help and support to children and young people from all over the country.

“I am delighted that the City of Edinburgh Council are continuing to support The NSPCC through our Instrumental Music Service Childline Christmas Concert on 25 November.

“Now in its 26th year this concert is one of our festive highlights and will have over 200 young people perform in orchestras, bands and ensembles from schools across Edinburgh.”

Tickets for the 2022 Childline Christmas Concert cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. They can be bought here:

https://giving.give-star.com/event/nspcc/childline-christmas-concert

Scotland for Ukraine event at Spartans

SUNDAY 3rd APRIL from 12.00 – 4pm at AINSLIE PARK

The World Cup play-off between Scotland and Ukraine was meant to take place on the 24th of March. It was postponed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Moved by the recent events, Spartans have decided to team up with the Edinburgh-based charity, Dnipro Kids Appeal, and host a five-a-side football tournament to raise money to support Ukrainian orphans forced away from their home.

Join us on the 3rd of April at Ainslie Park Stadium and support our cause.

Get your friends together and play football for those in need!!!