Tag: fundraising

Race To Rescue: Five Sisters Zoo launches 5K Fun Run to rescue bear from war in Ukraine

Five Sisters Zoo – a beloved animal conservation in West Lothian – is excited to announce a special event that will bring hope and support to a bear in need.

Coinciding with the school holidays, the zoo will host a 5km fun run this Saturday (21st October) within its scenic grounds. All money raised on the day through sales and sponsorships will help fund the imminent rescue of Yampil – a bear being saved from war-torn Ukraine.

Currently, the fundraising progress stands at approximately £30,000 of the targeted £200,000 needed for Yampil’s new home, enclosure, care, and upkeep. The zoo has been actively engaged in various fundraising initiatives to bridge the gap and facilitate the bear’s safe transition.

Gary Curran, Assistant Manager and Head of Carnivores at Five Sisters Zoo, said: “This is not just a run, it’s a race against time to give Yampil a new lease on life. When we were made aware of the awful treatment and conditions Yampil was subjected to, our hearts broke; we were just so amazed he was still alive and well.

“We knew instantly that we had to help and committed to giving Yampil a new start in life – despite knowing how much of an investment it would cost the zoo – because that’s what he deserves. 

“We invite everyone to join us for a memorable morning of camaraderie, where you can choose to walk or run at your own pace. Or should anyone be in a position to help, we would really welcome their support and generous donations. 

“Together, we can make a meaningful impact and offer a brighter future for this courageous creature.”

The event is open to participants of all ages and will commence at 8:30 am. Attendees are kindly requested to arrive around 8 am. For the safety of young participants, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

In addition to supporting this cause, all participants will receive complimentary entry to the zoo for the remainder of the day, providing a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse array of wildlife.

To register for the run and obtain a sponsor form or for further information, please contact education@fivesisterszoo.co.uk. A minimum sponsorship of £20 per participant is encouraged, with all proceeds directly contributing to Yampil’s rescue and new enclosure at Five Sisters Zoo.

Yampil is set to arrive in Scotland in late 2023 or early 2024. 

To join Five Sisters Zoo in this extraordinary endeavour to bring Yampil the bear home to Scotland, please sign up here: 

https://fivesisterszoo.co.uk/events/5k-run-for-yampil-the-bear/,

or to make a donation to the wider fundraising appeal, please visit: 

https://fivesisterszoo.co.uk/yampil-the-bear-rescue-fund.

Dalkeith Country Park invites visitors to Make 2nds Count

Dalkeith Country Park raises funds for Edinburgh-based charity

Secondary breast cancer charity Make 2nds Count is set for a bumper Breast Cancer Awareness Month boost courtesy of the stunning Dalkeith Country Park.

The Edinburgh-based charity, which supports patients with secondary breast cancer, is Dalkeith Country Park’s chosen charity partner for 2023. They continue to benefit from a range of fundraising initiatives through The Park’s activities and the generosity of their visitors.

October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, provides the latest chance to support the work of Make 2nds Count, which raises awareness of, and funds research into, the little-known form of incurable cancer which claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK and is currently affecting 61,000 people.

On Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day (October 13), the iconic Orangerie at Dalkeith Country Park will also be lit up purple as part of the Make 2nds Count Shine a Light campaign, joining over 50 other UK venues that will be lighting up in the charity’s colours on this day.

The Parks’ popular Yellow Trail is turning Purple this October with special prompts designed to shine a light on the incredible work and support provided by Make 2nds Count – giving hope to those affected by secondary breast cancer.

The Yellow Trail Info:

Also known as The Wilderness Walk, the Yellow Trail is a relatively flat 2km route with a surface suitable for bikes and buggies. A series of easy loops that take in impressive views of St Mary’s Church and Dalkeith Palace, as well as a little wonder along River Esk. Approximately 20 minutes in length, the path takes visitors through the Restoration Yard where they can also pick up a range of refreshments.

Walkers will be encouraged to capture and share their time on the Make 2nds Count Trail on social media, to be in with a chance of winning a wellness hamper from Restoration Yard, The Park’s converted 18th-century stable yard.

Catriona Tanner, Marketing Manager for Dalkeith Country Park: “Make 2nds Count was chosen as our charity partner in recognition of the connection between Dalkeith Country Park and Karen Henderson, who was a dearly loved visitor.

“The tireless work that the charity does to support patients and families living with secondary breast cancer is outstanding, and we have been thrilled to be part of their efforts, particularly during this key moment of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count: “We rely heavily on fundraising and donations to help our community and we are thrilled that Dalkeith Country Park is supporting us.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time when we particularly focus on raising awareness and on education, so the fact that The Park is working with us to fulfil this mission as well as via fundraising is amazing. We are really grateful for their continued support.”

For more information on Make 2nds Count and their work, please visit: 

https://make2ndscount.co.uk

To see more of their Shine a Light Campaign, please visit: 

https://bcam.make2ndscount.co.uk

Dundee’s Discovery Point celebrates 30 years

One of Scotland’s most iconic visitor attractions, Discovery Point in Dundee, is celebrating its 30th anniversary and, as well as looking at their achievements so far, they are also looking forward to what is next on the horizon. 

To celebrate 30 years since it was officially opened, visitors to Discovery Point on Saturday 1 July got the chance to enjoy an austral winter – winter in the Southern Hemisphere – as experienced by the crew of the RRS Discovery that included Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Ernest Shackleton and Edward Wilson, on the highly successful British National Antarctic Expedition in 1901. 

They were also amongst the first to be able to register their interest for the new Adopt an Object campaign – an exciting way to support the Dundee Heritage Trust collection, by adopting one of their objects for the year.

Fascinating objects including Antarctic goggles that have seen the Last Place on Earth and Shackleton’s legendary Aurora Australis book, are amongst the items available to be adopted, with the lucky adopter benefitting from a range of exclusive incentives and special opportunities to engage with work behind the scenes at both Discovery Point and Verdant Works.

Opened by the late Duke of Edinburgh on 1 July 1993, Discovery Point created a new and exciting visitor centre for the RRS Discovery, which moved to her new berth in Discovery Quay the previous year. As well as being an important catalyst for Dundee’s regeneration, sitting alongside the new V&A Dundee as the centrepiece of the £1 billion Waterfront Development, Discovery Point has been the source of many fond memories for locals and fellow Scots.

Ali Gellatly, Ship and Facilities Director at Dundee Heritage Trust said: “It’s incredible to think that in 30 years more than two million visitors have visited Discovery Point, including the present Prince and Princess of Wales in October 2015; astronauts who flew on space shuttle Discovery’s last flight in July 2011; and descendants of the original crew of the RRS Discovery, including Captain Scott’s grandson, Falcon Scott.

“I visited Discovery Point as a youngster and was so inspired by my visits that it gave me my passion for ships and exploration. 30 years on and I’m proud to say I have the best job in the world!”

Last year the Trust opened the Dundee Dome,a stunning, brand-new gallery in this previously inaccessible roof space at the top of the Discovery Point Dome, offering 360°panoramic views of the city, waterfront and River Tay and featuring Gaia, the impressive artwork by world famous environmental artist, Luke Jerram. 

This year, major restoration works began on the RRS Discovery. These urgent works will enable the conservation and preservation of this world heritage asset, the ship that took Scott and Shackleton to the Antarctic in the days when that was as unthinkable as space travel.

A specialist survey identified several critical areas for conservation. The National Heritage Memorial Fund has generously funded the urgent works; the original grant or £409k was increased by £1million to account for rises in cost of materials and construction, and costs across the board.

There is still £1million left to raise to complete these critical conservation works, due to be completed in 2025.

Deirdre Robertson, Chief Executive of Dundee Heritage Trust, said: “We are so proud of the impact Discovery Point has made to the regeneration of Dundee but also how it has inspired many visitors over the past 30 years.

“We have had to navigate some very difficult times in recent years during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we are very excited for the next 30 years and beyond and the ongoing impact that Discovery Point will make on locals and fellow Scots alike”.

For more information visit: www.dundeeheritagetrust.co.uk, Facebook (Discovery Point & RRS Discovery), Instagram (@DiscoveryDundee) or Twitter: (@DiscoveryDundee)

Eilish McColgan calls on Scots to get active to feed hungry children

FROM DALMALLY TO MALAWI: The champion runner is asking people to clock up miles this April to raise funds for Mary’s Meals 

Scottish long-distance running champion Eilish McColgan, who broke the British half-marathon record at the weekend, is calling on people to help feed hungry children in some of the world’s poorest countries by signing up to Mary’s Meals’ new fundraising challenge, From Dalmally to Malawi.  

Founded 20 years ago in a shed in Argyll, Mary’s Meals feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day in 18 countries including Malawi, Kenya and Syria. The promise of a nutritious meal encourages children into the classroom where they can gain an education and hope for a brighter future.  

Eilish, who is currently training for this April’s London Marathon, says: “As a sportsperson, I am really passionate about helping people to enjoy keeping fit. That’s why I’m delighted to support Mary’s Meals’ new active challenge, From Dalmally to Malawi.  

“There’s still time to sign up and help feed children in some of the world’s poorest communities. All you need to do is pledge to complete a number of miles in April and ask friends and family for sponsorship.   

By signing up to the challenge, Scots will take part in a virtual journey from Dalmally, the village in the Highlands of Scotland where Mary’s Meals was founded, to Malawi, where the charity served its first life-changing school meals. 

From walking, to running, to swimming – participants can take part in From Dalmally To Malawi in any way they choose. The money raised through sponsorship will help to feed desperately hungry children in some of the world’s poorest countries.   

Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “We’re really grateful to Eilish for going the extra mile for Mary’s Meals, and backing our new fundraising challenge. 

“However many miles you pledge, taking part in From Dalmally to Malawi allows you to follow the Mary’s Meals journey while helping us to reach the next hungry child. I hope as many people as possible join us this April!” 

People signing up to the challenge will receive a free Mary’s Meals T-shirt and will be invited to join an exclusive online community, where they’ll receive inspirational video messages and stories from Mary’s Meals.  

By taking part, people in Scotland will be helping children like Exton from Malawi. Thanks to Mary’s Meals, he eats a mug of vitamin-enriched porridge every day that fills his empty stomach and gives him energy to learn.  

Exton says: “I come to school knowing that I will find food. Mary’s Meals gives me joy and happiness and that helps me to pass with flying colours in class.” 

To sign up to the From Dalmally to Malawi challenge, please visit: marysmeals.org.uk/campaigns/from-dalmally-to-malawi 

The DARED Challenge is back for its sixth year!

Local charity, Circle have just launched their annual DARED (Do A Run Every Day) Challenge, which is back for its sixth year this June.

Over 600 runners have taken part in The DARED Challenge over the past 5 years, and they have succeeded in raising over £87,000 for local children and families living in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities.

Take part in DARED 2023 for a month of fitness and fun, and help Circle bring the total figure raised to £100,000!

Sign up now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-dared-challenge-2023-tickets-547292535707 

“DARED was exactly the challenge I needed to get my going again after a prolonged period of laziness had set in. The support from the other participants was amazing and kept me going through highs and lows!” – DARED Participant

What is The DARED Challenge?

The concept of DARED is very simple – do a run every day in June whilst raising money for Circle. That’s it. You can run at any time of day that suits you, before work, after work, during lunch, early evening- anytime!

There are three challenges to choose from, including the 1 mile, 5km and DARED To Be Different Challenge, and you can choose to participate to raise money for Circle’s children and families or pay a one-off donation entry fee. This includes your welcome pack, runners top, medal, and event fees.

DARED is a challenge of physical and mental stamina, requiring disciplined preparation and recovery, an accomplishment that all participants should be proud of. Every penny raised and every mile run will go towards making a life-changing difference to children and families living in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas, who need support now more than ever.

For more information about The DARED Challenge, visit: https://circle.scot/support-us/the-dared-challenge-2023/ 

Who is Circle?

Circle works at the heart of disadvantaged communities across Central Scotland. Circle offers a range of whole family support services that promote children’s healthy development and potential. They engage with families who face exclusion due to social injustice, poverty, and health inequalities.

For more information about Circle, visit: https://circle.scot/ 

Whether you are an experienced runner looking for a challenge, or a beginner, DARED is a great way to improve your fitness and bond with a community of likeminded people, whilst raising money and awareness for Circle.  

For more information, get in touch at; Kirsten.Wales@Circle.Scot

Download the FREE DARED Information Pack here:

https://circle.scot/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DARED-2023-Information-Pack-6.pdf

Edinburgh man to swim a double-marathon for epilepsy charity

In the weeks leading up to Purple Day—the largest fundraising event for epilepsy-related causes—on 26 March, Edinburgh resident Michael Sturrock has set out to swim the equivalent distance from his home in Leith to the Epilepsy Scotland office in Glasgow.

The 28-year-old, who has epilepsy himself, aims to raise £2,000 for the charity. To reach his goal, he will swim just over 3km—or 122 lengths—every day for 28 days.

Speaking about his experience of epilepsy, Michael said: “I had my first seizure when I was 18. I had just arrived at a friend’s house and bent down to untie my shoes. I woke up several minutes later, unaware of who I was, where I was, who those around me were, what had happened or what was going to happen to me.

“I had just had a ‘grand mal’ seizure, which is the kind most will be familiar with – someone falling unconscious and fitting on the floor.  Aside from the danger and physical toll of the fitting period, the subsequent confusion is an experience in which you feel simultaneously trapped in your body and disconnected from reality. It is terrifying for me and those who have witnessed the seizure.

“Having epilepsy not only comes with the physical parts of the condition but impacts the mental health of those with epilepsy and their friends and family. Watching someone having a seizure is a horrifying experience. Studies show an increased prevalence of PTSD in family members and carers of those with epilepsy. Rates of depression and anxiety are higher in people living with epilepsy. Indeed, anxiety is something that has affected me significantly in the years I have lived with epilepsy.

“Over the last decade, I have been on a medical journey to control my epilepsy. After years of trying different and varying quantities of seizure-control drugs and managing their side effects, I have now been seizure-free for 18 months. It’s a huge relief both for me and my husband, who has had to witness and care for me during seizures over the years.

“I’ve chosen a swimming challenge to highlight the fact that there are lots of everyday things that many people with epilepsy can’t or choose not to do because of the risk seizures would pose. Some with uncontrolled seizures would choose not to have a bath, let alone swim in a pool.

“Whether controlled or not, epilepsy is ever-present in the daily lives of those with the condition and those around them. With support from charities like Epilepsy Scotland, however, that need not be a bad thing. The support and sense of community the charity provides not only helps mitigate the effects of epilepsy for many but enriches and becomes a central part of their lives.

“I have the privilege of being a trustee of Epilepsy Scotland and I see first-hand the incredible work they do to support people with epilepsy and their loved ones. It is a truly brilliant charity and deserves every single penny it raises.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support received. I have completed 5 swims and already raised over 60% of my £2000 goal. If I can raise that number this week, I’ll up my target amount by £1000 – or maybe more. Any donations are very welcome.”

Commenting on his progress, Michael said: “I’m not a bad swimmer so have been largely okay in the pool so far, though my arms were pretty tired on the third day and my pace dropped a fair bit.

“But coping with the monotony is almost the bigger challenge – I started craving chilli heatwave Doritos halfway through yesterday’s swim and couldn’t think of much else for the remaining time – I’ll have to make sure I’m better fed for my next swim!”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/page/michael-sturrock-purple-swim. 

Grab your Kilt and sign up to Kiltwalk!

Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) is calling for everyone in and around Edinburgh to take part in Kiltwalk on 17 September 2023 to support those in Scotland who have a muscle-wasting condition as well as family, friends and colleagues who might be affected.

The sooner people are able to sign up, the sooner you can start fundraising! Rare Disease Day is Tuesday 28th February, and is a day to raise awareness of conditions like Muscular Dystrophy where there are 110,000 children and adults affected which means they life is limited. We’d love if you did something special this Rare Disease Day and register to walk for muscles.

To register for Kiltwalk and get your FREE place please go to:

 https://musculardystrophyuk.org/get-involved/events/edinburgh-kiltwalk-2023.

Jodie Whitham, MDUK’s Regional Development Manager said: “We rely on the generosity of our supporters, local businesses, and communities every year. Last year we raised more than £6000 from Kiltwalk and hope 2023 can be even bigger.”

For further information and to request your free t-shirt and fundraising pack contact Jodie on j.whitham@musculardustrophyuk or call on 07771 374839.

Amazon donates to armed forces charity

A Scottish charity for veterans of the British Armed Forces has received a £1,000 donation from the team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline in honour of Remembrance Day. 

Poppyscotland provides support for current and former members of the Armed Forces, as well as their families, living in Scotland. The charity maintains a safe space for men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the armed forces or with their struggles adjusting from military to civilian life. 

This is the third year in a row that Amazon in Dunfermline has donated to Poppyscotland. This year, the donation will go towards the charity’s welfare services for the Armed Forces community, providing advice and support to those struggling with finances, employment, housing, mobility needs, mental or physical health issues and more.

Speaking on the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Amazon has long been a proud supporter of the UK’s armed forces community and we’re pleased to make this donation to Poppyscotland.

“The work done by the charity’s staff and volunteers does not go unnoticed in our community.”

Megan Wright, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “My family has received so much support from the team at Poppyscotland.

I’m happy that Amazon can help the charity with this donation.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland , added: “The team at Poppyscotland and I would like to say a big thank you to Jamie and our friends at Amazon in Dunfermline for this generous donation. We appreciate all the support we can get, and with donations like this, we can provide help to the men and women who need it most.”

“Every penny will help us offer life-changing welfare support to Scotland’s Armed Forces community, helping with housing, employment, finances, mental and physical health issues, and more.”

“We’re also delighted to hear how Amazon is supporting veterans making the transition to civilian life,  assisting them in training for new careers after service.”

The donation to Poppyscotland was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities around its operating locations across the UK. 

Almost a decade ago, Amazon signed The Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant has a focus on helping the Armed Forces community to access the same support from Government and commercial services as the public.

Last year, Amazon increased its support of the military community by growing its partnership with the Royal British Legion. 

The partnership, which began two years ago, sees Amazon encourage customers to support the Royal British Legion through an official charity store, featuring products that raise money for the Legion. All proceeds from the sale of goods go directly to the charity. Amazon also offers customers the opportunity to support the Royal British Legion through Amazon Smile.

In addition to several support programmes for the Royal British Legion and other services charities, Amazon offers an employment programme for members of the services community called the Amazon Military Programme. The programme offers members of the military community the opportunity to pursue a wide range of exciting new career paths at Amazon.

Amazon offers an employment programme for members of the services community called the Amazon Military Programme. The programme offers members of the military community the opportunity to pursue a wide range of exciting new career paths at Amazon.

The Sixth ‘Walk for Autism’ campaign returns this spring

Walk for Autism is returning in 2023 with a spring in its step

Walk for Autism 2023 will be one of the most successful campaigns in its history. The annual fundraising campaign invites participants from up and down the country to walk 10,000 steps per day for eight days wherever they choose. 

The walking week begins on March 26 and ends on World Autism Awareness Day, April 2.

In 2022, the campaign saw over 3,800 walkers step up to the Walk for Autism challenge. Together, they raised £407,448.48 and totalled 211.6 million steps. The money raised from Walk for Autism helps to fund autism projects across the UK and Ireland, along with funding for specialist staff.

Last year’s campaign provided funding for a Health and Wellbeing Lead, who runs wellbeing groups ranging from football sessions, to cycling and hiking. Thanks to these projects, autistic people attending the groups have developed stronger social connections, built self-confidence, and felt the benefits to their mental and physical health. 

Walk for Autism Fundraising Manager, Liz Oakley said: “This campaign is so close to our hearts, as we see how much of an impact it makes every year. It really helps to improve the quality of life of the people we work with, and allows us to create communities for people who need them.

“Taking part is also a brilliant opportunity to spend time outdoors and improve your health and wellbeing. It’s important to us that the challenge is inclusive to all abilities, so whether you opt for short walks each day, walking the dog, or take on longer hikes, the challenge can work around you.

“Walk for Autism also includes steps from everyday activities, such as pottering in the garden or walking upstairs. Every step counts and makes a difference.”

The 2023 campaign has been further boosted by the support of Bridgerton and Emmerdale star Simon Lennon, who will once again be stepping out in support of the Walk for Autism campaign.

Simon said: “I’m delighted to take part in Walk for Autism again this year because it’s really important to get everyone in the UK walking and talking about autism and it’s fun too.

“Many people taking part have a special connection to autism and they are doing their bit to help raise funds for autism projects around the UK and Ireland.”

The team are encouraging walkers to complete their steps by walking and talking with family and friends, at their own pace. Those who sign up and raise their first £20 will be sent a free ‘Walk for Autism’ t-shirt to assist in their fundraising.

Liz added: “Autism affects more than 700,000 people in the UK and Ireland. It’s amazing to see the difference that our walkers make each year, and essential that we continue to help as many people as possible through our fundraising efforts.”

Walk for Autism is a campaign led by Autism Initiatives Group, a national charity committed to improving the lives of autistic adults and children and their families across the UK and Ireland. Founded in the 1970s, the charity recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

You can now sign up for Walk for Autism at www.walkforautism.co.uk

Edinburgh Castle gives the green light this Christmas in support of the NSPCC

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Ice Rink and Camera Obscura and World of Illusions illuminated green on the longest night of the year on Wednesday, December 21, in support of the child protection charity, the NSPCC and its Childline counselling service.

On the same night, people dusted off their walking boots and took part in the charity’s 5k fundraiser in the city. The NSPCC invited families, friends and colleagues to get together for the sponsored walk to raise money to support it and its Childline service this Christmas.

On average, two children a minute contact Childline. The service’s counsellors receive calls about many concerns and issues, including abuse, neglect, self-harm, and anxiety.

Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “We’re extremely grateful for the support given by Edinburgh Castle and Camera Obscura in helping raise awareness of the NSPCC and its Childline service. It was fantastic to see them illuminated green on Wednesday evening.

“And thank you to all those who joined in and raised money for our Walk for Children. Every pound raised will make a difference and help Childline to be there for children, this Christmas and beyond.”

For anyone that took part in Walk for Children in Edinburgh, please remember to share any photos on social media using #WalkforChildren.