Tag: Scotmid

Three charities in the East of Scotland secure share of £25,000

Three good causes across the East of Scotland have secured a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.

The funds were allocated to The Rosebery Centre, Leuchie House and Play Therapy Base following a vote by Scotmid Members.

The Rosebery Centre, based in Polbeth, West Lothian, has been awarded £15,000. The charity supports older people living with dementia in the community. This funding will be used to provide nutritious healthy lunches and snacks, offering members valuable time to socialise and helping to combat the isolation they face due to their condition.

Leuchie House, based in East Lothian, has been awarded £5,000. The charity provides people living with neurological conditions and their families with access to short respite breaks. The funding will go towards the tailored activities & entertainment provided with every break helping to improve health, enables independence and reduces loneliness.

The final good cause group in the East of Scotland to have been awarded £5,000 funding is Play Therapy Base.  The Dalkeith based charity works with children aged 3-14 who are experiencing emotional distress.

Services include weekly 1-1 play & art sessions with experienced therapists, either in the community or within one of the dedicated playrooms. Funding will contribute to the running and resourcing of these playrooms which are used by around 60 children each week.

Anne Marson, Centre Manager at The Rosebery Centre, said: “We are overwhelmed with this generous donation from Scotmid.

“The support will enable us to continue providing healthy meals to members while they socialise together, significantly improving the quality of life for dementia patients.”

Claire Williams, Head of Fundraising at Leuchie House, said: “We are so grateful for this incredible contribution from Scotmid.

“This support will enable Leuchie to reimagine respite as a service that delivers more, beyond the break, to improve the health of our guests, enable their independence and reduce the loneliness experienced by many as a result of their condition.”

Linda Cuthbert, Service Manager at Play Therapy Base, said: “Thanks to Scotmid’s generous funding, we can keep providing life-changing play and art therapy sessions to children who need it most.

“This £5,000 will go directly toward maintaining our playrooms, where dozens of young people find comfort, support, and emotional healing every week.”

Keen to support local good causes? Pop into your local Scotmid and pay £1 to become a member.

Scotmid announces new charity partnership to support cancer patients in Edinburgh

Scotmid, one of Scotland’s leading community retailers, has announced a new, year-long charity partnership with Maggie’s, an organisation dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families living with cancer.

This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both Scotmid and Maggie’s to making a meaningful difference in their communities. Over the next 12 months, Scotmid and Maggie’s staff in Edinburgh will work hand-in-hand to raise awareness, fundraise, signpost and offer tangible support to those living with cancer.

As part of this collaboration, Maggie’s volunteers will be visiting Scotmid stores across the country, engaging directly with customers to raise awareness and funds. These in-store ‘pop-up’ events will offer customers the opportunity to learn more about the resources available to them and how they can contribute to the cause.

Scotmid stores have also introduced exclusive Maggie’s-branded merchandise, including limited edition pin badges and air fresheners, making it easier than ever for customers to show their support.

Additionally, Scotmid employees are being encouraged to get involved in local fundraising activities, bringing their own creative ideas to the table to enhance community engagement.

Beyond fundraising, a key focus of this partnership will be to educate communities about the diverse support services that Maggie’s offers to those living with cancer. From emotional support to practical advice, the Maggie’s centre in Edinburgh provides a lifeline to individuals and families during some of their most challenging times.

 Anna Clarkson, Centre Co-Head, Maggie’s Edinburgh, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are delighted to be partnering with Scotmid, an organisation renowned for its dedication to Edinburgh community causes.

“Together, we aim to shine a light on the profound impact cancer has on lives and to remind those living with a diagnosis that they are not alone.

“It is wonderful to think that Scotmid stores will now help ensure people with cancer, as well as family and friends in Edinburgh, get the support they need at possibly the most difficult time of their lives.”

Karen Scott, Chief Executive at Scotmid, said: “Supporting our communities is at the heart of everything we do at Scotmid. We are excited to partner with Maggie’s to raise both awareness and vital funds for a cause that touches so many lives.

“The money we raise will help ensure that more people can access the care and support they need during such a critical time. We look forward to making a difference together.”

Scotmid has raised an impressive £3.25 million across its last ten charity partnerships, establishing itself as a leading retail fundraiser.

This significant contribution is made possible through the hard work and dedication of staff, members, and customers, who participate in numerous fundraising activities and campaigns.

Find out more about Maggie’s: https://www.maggies.org/

Scotmid stores to take part in campaign to tackle underage drinking

Scotmid Co-operative, is bringing the “It’ll Cost You” campaign, which highlights that buying alcohol for children could result in a fine or jail time, to stores across Edinburgh.

Through its partnership with Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership (SAIP) and Community Alcohol Partnerships, the retailer aims to serve a duty of care within the community by protecting children from the harms of underage drinking.

Throughout the school holidays, radio adverts will be played over the in-store radio, ensuring that shoppers understand the legal implications of buying alcohol for under-18s. Scotmid is also displaying campaign graphics on digital screens, highlighting the consequences of proxy alcohol purchases.

Ian Lovie, Scotmid Compliance Manager at Scotmid said: “Our role in the campaign is to make our customers in our communities understand the implication of purchasing alcohol for under 18s.

“The campaign is a great example of working together with local law enforcement, to make the communities we serve safer.”

Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland, said: “This campaign showcases the benefits of key partners working together to inform the public of dangers associated with underage drinking, as well as the criminal consequences for supplying those under 18 with alcohol.”

Luke McGarty, Chair of the SAIP Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “Proxy purchasing is not an easy crime to detect and retailers are the first line of defence in reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.

“The ‘It’ll Cost You!’ campaign fits perfectly with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”

Grahame Clarke, Community Alcohol Partnership Coordinator, said: “The campaign gives us an opportunity to spread the ‘It’ll Cost You!’ message in local communities, highlighting the dangers of buying alcohol for young people.

“We look forward to working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers to make sure that this messaging is carried through all our engagement activity this summer.”

Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, said: “I welcome the return of a campaign that successfully illustrates the value of strong collaboration and regular engagement between partners, which help to deliver shared aims to help reduce underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

The campaign will run throughout summer 2024. For more information, visit: 

https://www.itwillcostyou.com/

First aid volunteers in Edinburgh receive share of £28,000 donation

St Andrews First Aid, Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity, has been awarded a £28,000 lifeline from leading Scottish convenience retailer, Scotmid.

The funding has been used to purchase new uniforms for staff and volunteers across Scotland, including those located in Edinburgh, who provide life-saving training and emergency response services.

Stuart Callison, CEO at St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Scotmid’s generous donation means we can purchase more uniforms that will help to enhance our visibility and identity when we cover events or provide public demonstrations.

We are extremely grateful to Scotmid for this support and continued partnership in helping us achieve our mission of making Scotland a safer place for all.”

Lynne Ogg, Scotmid Membership & Communities Manager, added: “The work that St Andrew’s First Aid delivers in communities across Scotland is invaluable and we are proud to continue supporting such a worthy charity. 

“The funding will assist the organisation in ensuring its dedicated volunteers are easily identifiable and bring peace of mind to the general public when attending events.”

St Andrew’s First Aid provides vital first aid and mental first aid courses and actively promotes first aid education in schools and communities. Its mission is rooted in the belief that no one should suffer or lose their life due to a lack of first aid assistance.

Two local charities secure a share of £25,000 Scotmid funding

LIFT @ Millenium Centre and the Living Memory Association are two of three good causes across the East of Scotland to have received a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.

LIFT @ Millenium Centre offers support to families from the most disadvantaged areas of Edinburgh and those that are vulnerable either socially or financially. They have received £5,000 from Scotmid to deliver ‘Family Teatime’ sessions, an opportunity for families to play and learn together in a supported environment.

The Living Memory Association has secured £5,000 to continue their work connecting and supporting those isolated or living with dementia. The charity is based in Ocean Terminal, where it offers exhibitions, including The Wee Museum of Memory, as well as recording podcasts and videos.

Jayme Nisbet, Community Base and Family Support Worker, LIFT@ Millennium, said: “We are so thankful to receive £5,000 Scotmid Community Connect funding, which will help us expand our Family Teatime program.

“This is something that is so needed for the local communities in North Edinburgh.”

Russell Clegg, Project Worker Living Memory Association, said: “The Living Memory Association is delighted to have received a £5,000 Community Connect funding award from Scotmid.

“This will allow us to develop new projects for older people in areas of reminiscence, celebrating lived experience and combatting the loneliness and isolation our users can often face.”

The final charity to have secured funding in the East of Scotland is The Children’s Clothing Bank Dunfermline, which provides pre-loved good quality and new clothes in a dignified manner for children aged 0-18 years in the local community.

The next round of funding has shortlisted three charities across the East, Wed and Mid Lothian. Leuchie House provides people living with neurological condition and their families with access to short respite breaks. 

Play Therapy Base works with children aged 3 -14 who are experiencing emotional distress and provides a playroom that hosts 1-1 sessions with art therapists.

The Rosebery Centre supports older people living with dementia combat isolation with things like befriending, dance therapy and outings.

Winners will be announced in October.

Keen to support local good causes? Pop into your local Scotmid and pay £1 to become a member.

‘SEAS’ THE OPPORTUNITY!

RNLI & SCOTMID LAUNCH ART COMPETITION TO CELEBRATE 200 YEARS OF THE RNLI

Scotmid and RNLI are inviting young artists across Edinburgh to let their imaginations set sail ahead of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary.

Scotmid, in partnership with RNLI, has launched a nationwide competition for U18s to design the front cover of its magazine, Jigsaw, and asking them to create an image which they feel encapsulates the RNLI’s legacy, as it celebrates two centuries of heroic rescues and dedicated volunteering.

The competition launch is celebrating Scotmid’s charity partnership with RNLI, which got underway last year and will run until August 2024.

Budding artists are invited to design a front cover that highlights the spirit of the RNLI’s work over the years within its communities, emphasising elements of inspiration, courage, and community spirit. The winning design will reach thousands of Scotmid members. In addition, the winner will receive an exclusive package of RNLI prizes.

Entry details are as follows:

  • Who Can Enter: Anyone aged 18 years and under.
  • The Theme: Artwork that embodies the spirit of the RNLI and its 200 years of brave, life-saving endeavours. The RNLI values are selflessness, courage, dependability and trustworthiness
  • Deadline for Entries: Make sure your masterpieces are submitted to Scotmid by 19 April 2024.
  • Submission Guidelines: Send your artwork to competition@scotmid.co.uk or by post to the Scotmid Membership Team, Hillwood House, Harvest Drive, Newbridge, EH28 8QJ. If you email a submission, keep the original in a safe place in case you win!
  • Find out more: https://scotmid.coop/design-jigsaw-magazine-cover/

Kirsty Connell, Membership and Community Manager at Scotmid, said: “This competition is a wonderful way to commemorate such a huge milestone for the RNLI and our shared commitment to our communities.

“Partnering with the RNLI has been a privilege, as their tireless efforts serve as a lifeline. We’re excited to provide young artists a platform to express their creativity and honour the invaluable work of RNLI volunteers.”

Paul McKeown, Fundraising and Partnership Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, said: “What a fantastic way for young people to showcase their creativity and join us in celebrating this significant milestone.

“We eagerly anticipate seeing the entries and appreciate Scotmid’s support and dedication to our cause.”

Funds raised over the course of the charity partnership will enable the RNLI to purchase a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, which will form part of its relief fleet and will be used by stations to assist in critical rescues during times when vessels are undergoing repairs or maintenance. 

Local charities shortlisted to receive share of £25,000 Scotmid funding

LIFT @ Millenium Centre and the Living Memory Association are two of three good causes across the East of Scotland to have been shortlisted to receive a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.

The funding will be announced next April, following a vote by Scotmid members.

LIFT @ Millenium Centre offers support to families living in the most deprived areas of Edinburgh or those that are socially or financially vulnerable. The funding from Scotmid will be used to deliver ‘Family Teatime’ sessions, which will provide families an opportunity to eat, play and learn together in a safe and welcoming environment.

The Living Memory Association brings together people that are socially isolated or living with dementia. From their base in Ocean Terminal, the charity offers exhibitions, including The Wee Museum of Memory, as well as recording podcasts and videos. The funding from Scotmid will be used to employ a part-time sessional worker and cover materials needed for their workshops.

Pauline Nicol-Bowie, CEO/Founder of LIFT, said: “We are incredibly thankful to be part of Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative, which will help us expand our ‘Family Teatime’ programme.

“This is a vital part of local communities in North Edinburgh and we look forward to being able to expand our services to support more people.”

Heather Robertson, Service Co-ordinator at Living Memory Association, said: “The Living Memory Association is delighted to be shortlisted for Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.

“The funding will allow us to develop new projects for older people to celebrate lived experience and combat the loneliness and isolation the community can often face.”

The other charity shortlisted in the East of Scotland is Children’s Clothing Bank Dunfermline, which provides pre-loved good quality and new clothes in a dignified manner for children aged 0-18 years in the local community.

Keen to support local good causes? Pop into your local Scotmid and pay £1 to become a member.

Scotmid Community Connect cash for local charities

Two Leith-based charities – Edinburgh Young Carers and The Junction – have secured a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.

The funds were allocated following a vote by Scotmid Members.

Edinburgh Young Carers has been awarded £15,000. The charity is a voluntary organisation that provides respite and support to young people between the ages of five and 25 who care for somebody at home.

It aims to improve the lives and wellbeing of young carers by raising awareness of the challenges they face and by offering emotional and practical support.

The Junction, which has secured £5,000, works with young people aged 12-21 across Leith and the North East of Edinburgh, offering access to a wide range of health-related services, education and information by providing a safe and welcoming environment.

The charity encourages social and economic inclusion and promotes long term health and wellbeing.

Margaret Murphy, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Young Carers, said: “We are over the moon to have been awarded £15,000.

“Young carers in Edinburgh face many challenges and responsibilities looking after their loved ones and this funding will provide new opportunities that they otherwise would not have.

“We are committed to offering young carers valuable respite and a place to grow their confidence and skills away from their caring responsibilities.”

The final good cause group in the East of Scotland to have been awarded £5,000 funding is Fairway Fife, a peer mentoring charity addressing the social isolation faced by most young adults with Learning Disabilities or Autism.

Keen to support local good causes? Pop into your local Scotmid and pay £1 to become a member.

Scotmid invites customers across Edinburgh to get on board with new charity partnership

Scotmid has announced the launch of an exciting new charity partnership with the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) and is rallying customers, members and colleagues to come together and ‘seas’ the opportunity to support their fundraising efforts.

Funds raised will enable the RNLI to purchase a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, which will form part of the relief fleet and will be used by stations to assist in critical rescues during times when vessels are undergoing repairs or maintenance. 

Jill Hepburn, Head of Region for the RNLI in Scotland, said: “We are very excited to be working with Scotmid, which has an incredible reputation for both fundraising and raising awareness for their charity partners.

“This partnership will reach into the very hearts of our communities and help us to raise awareness of water safety and the incredible work carried out by our dedicated volunteers.

“Over 90% of our rescues take place less than one mile from shore, meaning the Atlantic 85 is credited with saving countless lives each year. As part of our relief fleet, the Scotmid lifeboat will have a lifesaving impact on numerous communities in Scotland – a tribute fitting to such an outstanding organisation.”

The Atlantic 85 is one of the fastest in the RNLI’s fleet. The boat has the capacity to carry four crew members as well as core medical and rescue equipment. Critically, it has the space to transport several additional people, making it ideal for a range of open water incidents.

John Brodie, Chief Executive at Scotmid, said: “The alignment of the RNLI’s values with our own, which centre around serving our communities and enhancing lives, makes us perfect partners. As we eagerly embark on the year ahead, our colleagues are already ‘on board’ and enthusiastically charting out fundraising plans!”

Volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour rescue service, and seasonal lifeguards look after people on busy beaches. RNLI crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives since the charity launched in 1824, with lifeboats launching 9,312 times in 2022, saving 389 lives.

The RNLI has 238 lifeboat stations around the coasts of the UK and Ireland.

Scotmid colleagues across Edinburgh help raise £295,000 for Guide Dogs

Scotmid colleagues across Edinburgh have helped raise an incredible total of £295,000 for Guide Dogs following the retailer’s year-long charity partnership.

The money raised will help support people across Edinburgh living with sight loss by training two Guide Dog Mobility Specialists and three Habilitation Specialists, as well as setting a whole litter of puppies off on their journey to become future life-changers for people affected by sight loss in our community.

[Pictured L-R: Shirley MacGillivray, Scotmid, Kyla McVicar & Bruce, Guide Dogs, John Brodie, Scotmid, Aileen Murphy & Breeze, Guide Dogs, Linda Jordan, Guide Dogs, Norrie Bainbridge & Kano, Guide Dogs, Jim Watson, Scotmid]

  • Scotmid and Guide Dogs are celebrating their paw-sitively perfect charity partnership, which has raised £295,000 to support people across Edinburgh living with sight loss
  • Scotmid colleagues, customers and members in Edinburgh have taken the lead in fundraising for the community retailer’s barkingly brilliant charity companion. Funds have been raised through a range of activities, including in-store raffles, physical challenges, bingo nights, and community events
  • The funds raised will make a significant difference by training two Guide Dog Mobility Specialists and three Habilitation Specialists, as well as setting a whole litter of puppies off on their journey to become future life-changers for people affected by sight loss in local communities
  • The success of the charity partnership is testament to the impact that collective efforts can achieve. Through the generosity and dedication of Scotmid and its supporters, countless lives will be positively transformed.