Tag: Scotmid

Two Edinburgh charities are in the running to win share of £25,000

Two Edinburgh based charities – along with a third good cause group in Fife – have been shortlisted to receive a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect award scheme.

The awards will be announced this October, following a vote by Scotmid Members.

Edinburgh Young Carers 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 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 thrilled to be shortlisted for a Scotmid Community Connect Award.

“Young carers in Edinburgh face several challenges looking after loved ones and this funding will offer new opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise. We are pleased to provide young carers in Edinburgh with a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities as well as a chance to build their confidence and learn new skills.”

The other good cause shortlisted in the East of Scotland is Fairway Fife.

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

Scotmid support for Community Connect projects

CHARITY CASH BOOST FOR DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

Three good causes across Edinburgh have been awarded a share of a £75,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid Co-operative’s Community Connect award scheme. The awards were decided by a vote of Scotmid Members.

The recipients secured the funding after being shortlisted by the community retailer to receive the lifeline financial support, helping them to continue delivering their vital work.

Upward Mobility (Upmo) received a £15,000 award, with Drylaw Telford Community Association and Beacon Club – Space & Broomhouse Hub each receiving £5,000.

Drylaw Telford Community Association, based in Northwest Edinburgh, Children, young people, adults, older people, and families are offered a varied programme of activities and The Centre is an integral asset to the local community.

One of their key projects is to provide safe and suitable activities for adults and older people suffering from loneliness and social isolation with over 150 members meeting weekly to enjoy a chat, warm refreshments, and activities.

They are supported by a dedicated worker and funding from Scotmid would be used to for activities, transport to the Centre and help with support worker costs.

Beacon Club – Space & Broomhouse Hub is based in Southwest of Edinburgh run The Beacon Club, which provide support for people suffering from Dementia. Due to an increase in demand for their services and despite opening a second facility they still have a waiting list for people to join.

Open 7 days a week, members take part in activities, enjoy a nutritious homecooked lunch and have a safe place to socialise whilst giving their carers some vital respite. Funding from Scotmid would be used for outings, events, reminiscence activities and cover volunteer costs allowing members to live life to the full.

Upward Mobility (Upmo) strive to create a more inclusive society across Edinburgh & The Lothians by supporting adults & young people who live with physical or learning disabilities, Autism or have complex healthcare needs.

They offer the students tailored support services and learning opportunities and their Outdoor Learning Project is based within Jock Tamson’s Gairden in Duddingston, where students learn to grow veg, fruit and flowers.

Funding from Scotmid will be used to build raised beds, wider accessible pathways, purchase suitable tools & equipment and help with the cost of staffing the outdoor project.

Each year, Scotmid Members vote to award a share of £150,000 Community Connect funding to six shortlisted Scottish good causes.

Left to right: Martin Hinds (Drylaw Telford Community Association), Faith Nicholson and Claire Farquhar (Upmo), Nancy Bryson and Lyn Glen (Space & Broomhouse Hub)]

When Harry met … Harry!

Scotmid celebrates International Guide Dog Day

In a nod to International Guide Dogs Day (26th April) – Scotmid has surprised its soon to be retired President with a gift he’ll never forget!

With four legs, a fluffy tail and skills that help change lives, A Guide Dog puppy has been ‘named’ Harry after Harry Cairney as a parting gift. Human and hairy Harry met to shake paws and celebrate Scotmid’s ongoing Charity partnership with Guide Dogs.

PICTURED (L to R) –  John Brodie (Scotmid Chief Executive), Harry, , Shelagh Davidson (Guide Dog Puppy Raiser), Kyla McVicar (Guide Dogs), Harry Cairney.

Police appeal following Scotmid robbery

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information following a robbery at shop premises in Morvenside.

Around 4.05pm on Saturday (8 April), a man entered Scotmid and threatened staff and demanded money. He left with a three-figure sum of money.

Staff were shocked but unhurt.

Detective Constable Peter Lyons of CID in Edinburgh said : “We are keen to trace a man described as 6’2” tall, of slim build, with a Scottish accent. He wore a black scarf or face mask, light blue hooded rain jacket, dark blue jogging bottoms and black trainers.

“He was seen to run off towards the Westburn area.

“Anyone who was in the area and witnessed the incident is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 2383 of Saturday, 8 April, 2023.”

Charities invited to apply to become Scotmid’s annual Charity Partner

Applications close on 14th April 2023

Leading community retailer, Scotmid, is inviting charities across Edinburgh to become its charity partner of the year for 2023-24, working together on a programme of fundraising and support.

The convenience retailer is looking for an organisation that shares its values and passion for supporting local communities. Together, both will build a creative and fun partnership to encourage participation and fundraising from colleagues, members and customers alike.

Current charity partner, Guide Dogs, will use the donations from Scotmid to support guide dogs in training as well as recruiting and training Habilitation Specialists and Guide Dog Mobility Specialists.

These Specialists play a crucial role with hundreds of children and young people (0-25 years) who have a visual impairment to help them develop a broad range of skills and live a more independent life.

Kyla McVicar, Business Development Manager at Guide Dogs, said: “We’d encourage charities to apply for this exciting opportunity to be Scotmid’s next charity partner.

“You’ll be joining forces with an incredible organisation who really care about making a massive difference in local communities.”

Shirley MacGillivray, Head of Membership & Community at Scotmid, said: “The charity of the year partnership provides both a fantastic platform for us to support worthwhile causes and for our charity partner to have the extended support of our colleagues, members and customers.

“We are seeking an ambitious charity that will make the most of this incredible opportunity and can’t wait to begin working with the cause.”

Scotmid has raised over one million pounds during its last three partnerships with CHAS, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and Scottish SPCA.

Scotmid’s Charities Team will host a live Q&A at 11am on Wednesday 29th March. Joining information available from membership@scotmid.co.uk.

Charities can find more information on how to apply here.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 14th April 2023.

Scotmid donates pet aid boxes to support animals and owners in need

  • Scotmid has donated 100 Pet Aid boxes to the Scottish SPCA’s initiative to support people and pets who are struggling during the cost-of-living crisis.
  • The boxes include essential food and care supplies for animals in need and are provided through a network of 33 foodbanks across Scotland.
  • In 2022, calls to the Scottish SPCA more than trebled. Most people give up their pets as a very last resort, when they feel there is no other option, with the decision often linked to the cost of looking after them.
  • Scottish SPCA was Scotmid’s 2018/19 charity partner. The leading Scottish community retailer still describes the charity as “part of the Scotmid family” and has continued to support their initiatives.
  • Shirley MacGillivray, Scotmid Head of Membership & Community, said: “We recognise the importance of pets to our physical and mental wellbeing, so keeping them safe and connected with their owners is something we are proud to support. Our friends at Scottish SPCA continue do incredible work supporting the welfare of animals – and their owners – through the most difficult times. We are glad to be able to help them.”
  • Find out more and donate: https://www.scottishspca.org/shop/pet-aid-gift-box

PICTURED: Carrie Giannelli, Scottish SPCA Pet Aid Co-ordinator, Pixie the French Bulldog and Kirsty Connell, Scotmid Communities Manager

Scotmid launches funding for first Scotland-wide community orchard

An environmental and wellbeing initiative that will benefit almost 200 communities across Scotland has been launched by Scotmid.

‘Scotmid Community Orchard’ funding will allow fruit trees and bushes to be planted across the communities Scotmid serves. The sites, of five or more plants, will then form part of a Scotland-wide orchard of thousands of trees and bushes. 

The retailer is seeking a group near each of its stores to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes within a community space. They will award £200 to each successful applicant, to fund the purchase of plants.

The initiative has been created to encourage people to work together, increasing physical activity and improving local environments.

Orchards offer volunteering opportunities throughout the year as well as the chance to learn new skills, create habitats for wildlife and produce an array of edible produce. 

John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid, said: “We love the idea that lots of people doing something simple locally, like planting fruit trees or bushes, not only benefits those close to them but allows them to be part of something so much bigger – an orchard spanning hundreds of miles weaving through our Scottish communities.

“We all recognise the value that green spaces bring. Scotmid is thrilled to provide the funding for our communities to plant, grow, learn, and let nature thrive.”

Karen Davidson from Social Farms and Gardens, who are providing advice to budding growers, said: “We are so excited to see Scotmid leading the way, creating a network of micro-orchards across Scotland through this funding.

“Community orchards are part of a local food system. Promoting the health benefits of fresh produce and outdoor exercise to people of all age groups, orchards are excellent places for people to come together and enjoy the outdoors, whilst providing a focal point for community activities.”

Scotmid is seeking a group near each of its stores across Scotland to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes.

To apply, please visit: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/communityorchard/

Applications close on 20th January 2023.

Three good cause groups win share of £25,000 Scotmid funding

Three good causes across the East of Scotland have been awarded a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect awards scheme. The awards were decided by a vote of Scotmid Members.

LoveOliver secured £15,000 in funding, with Edinburgh City Mission and The School Bank West Lothian both receiving a £5,000 award. The charities were shortlisted by the community retailer to receive the lifeline financial support helping them to continue carrying out vital work within the communities that they operate.

Each organisation delivers a range of different services, aimed at supporting and enhancing the lives of others.

  • LoveOliver is a charity dedicated to childhood cancer research and provides practical support for families affected by the disease. The funding awarded by Scotmid will be used to hire a staff member for its drop-in café, which provides aid and support for families at a local and accessible level.
  • Edinburgh City Mission is a charitable organisation involved in a number of projects that support the most vulnerable in the Edinburgh community. The charity works to aid several foodbanks, a clothes bank and a family-focused weekend club aimed at supporting asylum seekers. The funding granted by Scotmid will be used to help support these projects and the people who benefit the most from them.
  • The School Bank West Lothian was established in 2015 and is dedicated to delivering school uniforms and other school essentials to families experiencing financial hardship. The funding provided by Scotmid will assist The School Bank West Lothian in ensuring every school child is prepared for their studies this winter.

Jennifer Gill, Charity Founder and Co-ordinator at LoveOliver, said: “We are delighted to receive £15,000 from Scotmid and want to thank everyone involved in making this happen.  Our drop-in cafe at The Howat Hub has been running two days each week by our volunteers since opening in February this year.

“This funding will be used to employ a member of staff to allow the cafe to double its opening hours and be more available to families. We’re extremely grateful for this opportunity to extend our team, and to continue our work funding childhood cancer research and providing practical support to families affected by it.”

Catriona Thomas, Fundraising Manager for Edinburgh City Mission, (above) said: “Edinburgh City Mission aims to support as many vulnerable people in the city as possible, so we’re thrilled to be granted with this crucial funding from Scotmid.

“The funding will go towards hosting Soul Food, a weekly sit-down meal service for those most in need, helping us to meet our goal of ensuring that everyone in the local community has access to food.”

Abbie Stephenson, Project Worker with The School Bank West Lothian, said: “The School Bank West Lothian is thrilled to receive £5,000. Vulnerable children shouldn’t be without the basic necessities for school, so our mission is to help provide school children with the clothing and equipment they need to succeed. We look forward to helping reach more children in need.”  

Since Scotmid’s Community Connect launched in 2017, almost £600,000 has been awarded to 66 good cause groups across the north of England and Scotland, enabling key projects to continue operating in their local areas.

Harry Cairney, President of Scotmid, said: “Community Connect is one of the core ways in which we are able to support the communities we serve.

“We’re proud to support local charities and good cause groups and provide dedicated funding to support their goals. As we enter the winter months, it is important to look after one another – we’re grateful for our chosen three charities and good causes’ continued efforts to provide a lifeline to those in need within local communities.”

Guide Dogs to spread more pawsitivity thanks to partnership with Scotmid

Community retailer aiming to raise £250,000 for new charity partner  

A leading Scottish community retailer is hoping to get tongues – and tails – wagging today (Thursday 1st September) with the announcement of its ‘pawsome’ new charity partnership.

Scotmid has taken the lead and chosen Guide Dogs as its barkingly brilliant charity companion, with plans to raise £250,000 over the course of the year long partnership. 

The funding will enable Guide Dogs to train three new Habilitation Specialists, as well as two Guide Dog Mobility Specialists, who will help and support hundreds more people in Scotland who are living with sight loss.

Guide Dog’s Habilitation Specialists support children and young people with a vision impairment, providing them with the skills they need to live an independent and active life and helping them reach their full potential.

Habilitation involves mobility, orientation and independent living skills. From supporting physical development in the early years, to navigating streets safely, preparing food, handling money and using technology as they grow older.

Funds will also be allocated to training two Guide Dog Mobility Specialists who partner life-changing guide dogs to people with sight loss. When guide dogs are partnered with a person with sight loss, the partnership boosts general mobility as well as increasing confidence and independence to go out into the community; expanding opportunities to socialise and reducing isolation.

Kyla McVicar, Business Development Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, said: “Guide Dogs offers a range of services for adults and children affected by a vision impairment, as well as their families. We have expanded our services in recent years so that we can help thousands of people with different needs lead confident, independent and fulfilling lives.

“We are really excited to be working with Scotmid and would like to say a huge thank you for their incredible support, which will enable us to train crucial new staff members and reach even more people affected by sight loss.

“The new roles include guide dog mobility specialists, who train our dogs and partner them with people with sight loss and habilitation specialists, who work with children and young people to help them develop vital life-long orientation and independence skills.

“This means that Scotmid will make a significant and lasting difference for families affected by sight loss across the local communities it has a presence in.”

John Brodie, Chief Executive at Scotmid, said: “Our core purpose is to serve our communities and to improve people’s everyday lives, so Guide Dogs is an excellent fit for us.

“Over the coming year, we are looking forward to raising much needed funds and awareness of this very worthy cause. We want to play our part in supporting those who are affected by sight loss, helping them to live more independent and fuller lives.”

Colleagues, customers and members across Scotmid’s stores will take part in various fundraising and engagement activities throughout the year, including ‘Name the Puppy’ competitions, Kiltwalks and in-store activities to support the partnership.

Local author launches new history book thanks to Scotmid donation

Three Scotmid East Committee Members attended a local book launch at The Crannie Community Hub in Edinburgh’s Old Town after the community-based Scottish retailer provided a £5,000 donation towards the funding of the book’s print, design and publishing costs.

Local author, Richard Rodger, has released his latest book, Happy Homes: Cooperation, Community and the Edinburgh Colonies, following publication this month. The book explores the building and management of 11 different sites of houses built for workers, to a distinctive design by the Edinburgh Cooperative Building Company (ECBC).

Scotmid provided the funding to help shed light on the history of co-operatives across Edinburgh and their importance during a time when Scotmid Co-operative (formerly St. Cuthbert’s Co-operative) was formed.

Harry Cairney said: “Richard’s book provides great insight into the local community, and we were more than happy to support his book launch. The Edinburgh ‘Colonies’ have been a distinctive housing phenomenon for more than 160 years and have a remarkable history, which I’m sure will be of great interest to readers.

“As a convenience retailer, based in the heart of those communities we serve, this donation is just one of the ways we look to provide support to individuals, charities and good cause groups.”

Richard Rodger said: “I am so grateful for the support from Scotmid which has helped me to bring this book from an initial idea through to publication. It’s great to see it in print and I was honoured that Harry, Eddie and Brian took the time to come along to our local community hub for the launch.”

Pictured from left to right: Eddie Thorn, Director and East Regional Committee Member, Harry Cairney, President of Scotmid, Brian Weddell, East Regional Committee Member, and author, Richard Rodger.