News

Christmas Support for North East Charities. £23,982.00 was split between eight amazing charities and community groups. Within this round, the following charities benefitted: Flexible Childcare Services Scotland Abernecessities Dennis Law Legacy Trust The Archie Foundation AFC Community Trust Cummings Park Cubby Tesco Youth Hub Camphill school Aberdeen

October 2021 Awards A total of Total £21,748.00 has been donated to local North East charities. Charities who benefited from this round of awards were:

Spring Awards 2021 The Trades Widows Fund Charity has donated a grand total of £30,611.25 with an estimated number of 1,382 individuals benefitting from these donations.

An Aberdeen society has donated £35,000 to local charities in the north-east as part of efforts to give back to the community. The Trades Widows Fund Charity, of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, officially donated the money to 18 different causes yesterday at a special ceremony at the organisation’s Trinity Hall on Holburn Street. The factor of the society, Craig Matheson, said the seven incorporated trades wanted to give the money to groups that could use the cash to do the most good locally. Mr Matheson, who has been factor for almost two years, said: “We’re very happy to be making this donation. “It’s a fairly young charity we set up two years ago, and we are still trying to find our feet a little bit with it. “We thought we would try and do something on a smaller scale, with smaller amounts of money to smaller charities to try and have maximum impact.” The beneficiaries of the £35,000 donation are the Northfield Community Centre, the Care Hub Aberdeen, We Too, Grampian Hospital Radio, Tillydrone Community Flat, the Russel Anderson Foundation, the Old Torry Community Centre and Befriend a Child. Also benefitting are the Gerard Street Church, Seaton Community Church, the Team Jak Foundation, Cfine, the Fersands and Fountain Community Project, the Denis Law Legacy Trust, the Printfield Community Project, Abernecessities, the St Machar Parent Support Group and the Cancer and Leukaemia in Children Orientated (Calico) charity.

The Aberdeen COVID-19 Emergency Appeal set up by the Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust has made a significant contribution to enable local charities help thousands of people experiencing genuine hardship due to the pandemic, an impact report has revealed today [Monday 14 December 2020]. In March 2020 Aberdeen, along with the rest of the world, faced the unprecedented situation of a global pandemic. With the impact of coronavirus being felt across the city, the Aberdeen COVID-19 Emergency Appeal was set up by the Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust in partnership with The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council and supported by Hampton Agency. Since its launch on 01 May 2020 the emergency appeal has raised just over £300,000 with donations from members of the public, business people and donations of £100,000 from the Seven Incorporated Trades Widows’ Charity and £100,000 from Aberdeen City Council via the Common Good Fund. The report carried out by Aberdeen City Council on behalf of the Trust highlights the positive impact of the Emergency Appeal. These include: 60 grants to 42 local registered charities; 19,405 people supported including 3,789 families, and 7,786 children and young people; 251 volunteers contributed 22,264 volunteer hours; 29,649 food parcels, 7,950 meals, 15,250 fruit packs worth £106,286 delivered directly to people in need; £24,742 of supermarket vouchers provided; £2,595 fuel top ups; £24,297 toiletries, clothing and self-care; £16,551 mobile devices, phones and data to enable people to stay in touch; £68,210 for 941 emergency grants were issued. The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Barney Crockett said: “Thanks to the generosity of individuals and businesses we have been able to give much needed financial support to local charities helping local people in desperate need due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “I’m a proud Aberdonian and the way everyone in the city has pulled together to help others has been inspirational. We own a huge debt of gratitude to all those who donated to the appeal and to the dedicated staff and volunteers at all our local charities. “It’s the season of giving and while the Covid-19 Appeal Fund is not currently open for applications I hope that you will consider making a donation to one of the many wonderful charities we have here in Aberdeen.” Mervyn Donald, Deacon Convenor, The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen said: “We would like to thank everyone involved who have helped both ourselves and Aberdeen City Council in raising these funds for Aberdeen residents in need, during COVID-19. As a local historical organisation, it is at the heart of what we do, to support the community in Aberdeen. “The charities included have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and should be very proud of themselves as to what they have achieved.” Liz Bowie, CEO, AFC Community Trust said: “The support we received from the Lord Provost Hardship Fund was crucial in allowing us to respond to the community’s needs quickly. Without this support we would never have reached over 12,000+ people with 2,500 food parcels.” Mark Lovie, Project Coordinator, Fersands & Fountain Community Project said: “Thank you to the Lord Provost Charitable Trust. Their grant made a big difference at a difficult time. They helped us give grocery vouchers to over 100 families who were really struggling. It offered direct support to the families when they were in need and also showed that people were thinking of them. “In the summer weeks the fund paid for picnics in the park to around 60 children and families playing at the Ferrier Crescent Park. This activity again showed families that there were people willing to help and brought some joy at a time when everything seemed gloomy. All of which was done while spreading a message of Covid safety.” Allison Barr, Chief Executive, Team Jak said: “Team Jak are hugely grateful for the support provided by the Lord provost fund which allowed us to provide good boxes and worry monsters and books to some of our inspirational Aberdeen children with cancer and their families. Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Denis Law Legacy Trust – Streetsport, said: "The LPCT emergency fund played a vital part in our returning as early as we did and providing disadvantaged young people with a safe environment to enjoy together. The support not only helped the young people themselves, but it also extended to their families as well via food vouchers." Lisa Duthie, CFINE Chief Executive, said: “I would like to express my gratitude to the Lord Provost, the Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust and everyone who donated towards this fund. “The funds that we received from the Lord Provost Hardship Fund allowed CFINE to provide 15,250 Kids’ Fruity Five packs to children living in low-income families, which were delivered via CFINE’s contactless home delivery system. “We also distributed 2,000 Hygiene Packs containing face masks and hand sanitisers to our food bank beneficiaries, which were essential at reducing the spread of the virus among individuals and families who are experiencing hardship during these unprecedented times.” Fiona Donald, Chairperson, ABERDEEN SANDS said: “Thank you, the grant received has really helped our charity greatly, as we are bereaved parents and volunteers who rely on donations. It has enabled us to support bereaved parents and their families when their precious baby has died, using virtual meetings whilst the restrictions on face to face meetings are in place. We have also posted out books to parents and siblings and hopefully this has supported and comforted them. It is concerning that the restrictions are continuing for the moment, whilst fundraising remains difficult.” Graeme Burnett, Russell Anderson Foundation said: "The Russell Anderson Foundation were delighted to receive funding from the Lord Provost's Charitable Hardship Fund. It allowed us to provide much needed support to vulnerable children, at such a crucial time during lockdown. The funding also gave us the opportunity to increase our services to wider community groups - the priority was to provide positive and sustainable outcomes for families." AberNecessities Co-Founder, Michelle Herd said: “2020 has been a very challenging year for us all and sadly, has pushed more families in our community into poverty. This grant is therefore incredibly timely in helping us to support children and families across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with the basic essentials they so desperately need. This incredible amount of funding will allow us to provide not only physical necessities such as nappies, baby formula, toiletries, clothing and non-perishable food but also gas and electricity top ups to ensure families have a warm and cosy home. Support such as this really does make all the difference and we cannot thank the Lord Provost's Hardship Fund enough for this amazing support.” Emma Bellu, Fundraising and Communications Manager, Aberdeen Cyrenians, Emma Bellu, Fundraising and Communications Manager, Emma Bellu said: “The Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust Hardship Fund has been both life-saving and heartening for people in crisis to know that communities care, and has ensured no one has been left to suffer alone and without in 2020. “Funds to Aberdeen Cyrenians have been vital in ensuring food supplies and cooking facilities for people affected by homelessness, violence, poverty, mental ill-health and addiction challenges. We are so grateful to everyone for their donations and kindness during this difficult year, and are here and ready to help people anyone in crisis to rebuild and recover.” Donations can still be made to the special crowdfunding page on www.aberdeencovid19.org which allows anyone anywhere to donate to this worthy cause while the Trust considers how it wants to further develop its fundraising efforts in 2021. Any organisation or individual wishing to discuss making a sizable donation can email lordprovost@aberdeencity.gov.uk marking it for the attention of Garry Watson, Clerk to The Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust. 100% of all donations received have gone directly to helping those experiencing genuine hardship in Aberdeen due to COVID-19. The below charities received funding from the hardship fund in 2020. They are: Aberdeen Action on Disability Aberdeen Bangladeshi Welfare Trust Aberdeen Cyrenians Aberdeen FC Community Trust Aberdeen Foyer Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre Aberdeen SANDS Aberdeen Women's Alliance AberNecessities Alcohol & Drugs Action Alhikmah Foundation ARCHIE Foundation Befriend a Child CALICO (Cancer and Leukaemia in Children Orientated) City Hearts Aberdeen CFINE (Community Food Initiatives NE) Denis Law Legacy Trust Fersands & Fountain Community Project Gerrard Street Baptist Church Instant Neighbour Jesus House Torry Middlefield Community Project Miscarriage Information Support Service Nepalese Himalayan Association Northsound Cash for Kids Old Torry Community Centre Organisation for Nepalese Culture and Welfare Pathways Printfield Community Project Russell Anderson Foundation Seaton Community Church Social Bite Somebody Cares UK St Machar Parent Support Project Team Jak Foundation The Bread Maker The Leanne Fund The Salvation Army Tillydrone Community Flat VSA (Aberdeen Association of Social Services) We Too! Who Cares? Scotland Full News article - https://news.aberdeencity.gov.uk/report-reveals-positive-impact-of-aberdeens-covid-19-emergency-appeal/

A raft of north-east children’s charities have been given a pre-Christmas boost from a historic network of Aberdeen business leaders. More than a dozen good causes have received a share of £40,000 at the city’s Seven Incorporated Trades, which was founded in 1587. The group represents crafts including hammermen, bakers, weavers and tailors, and acts as a business network to teach new skills and maintain its centuries-old archives. And through a plethora of carefully managed investments, it also raises money through the Trades Widows Fund charity to be put back into the communities and areas of the region which need it most. Last night representatives from 13 different groups attended Trinity Hall on Holburn Street, where their efforts were rewarded with a windfall to help them make a difference in the run-up to Christmas. Each of the seven trades nominated a charity or charities to benefit from their allocated share of the £40,000 fund, while the organisation’s trustees also selected a cause. The fleshers – representing butchers – nominated Westhill-based SensationAll, which helps people of all ages with support needs or a disability. It is planning to use the donation to keep its social groups running for longer or allow them to hold sessions more frequently. Co-founder Suz Strachan said: “We’re very lucky to have this connection with the Seven Incorporated Trades. “As a small charity, even a small donation can go a long way for us.”  Archway, which provides care, respite breaks and activities for almost 200 children and adults with learning disabilities, was nominated by the hammermen trade.

Charlie House is celebrating today (Tuesday 30th April 2019) following a substantial donation of £400,000 from the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, via its Trades Widow Fund Charity. The generous donation, which is the single biggest donation in the history of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, will go towards funding the specialist support centre’s spa pool area which will feature in the new building. The spa pool includes two accessible changing rooms, decking around the rear of the pool, mood lighting, integrated music and hoisting, as well as a 28ft long swim spa and jacuzzi. The significant donation takes the charity’s Big Build appeal pot to over £2million. The appeal was launched in November 2018 and aims to raise £8million for a specialist support centrebuilt on the grounds of Woodend Hospital. The centre will have 8-bedrooms, with additional family accommodation, set in 4 acres of ground. The state-of-the-art building will feature a sensory room, library, spa pool, craft room, teen den, soft play area, therapy room, star room, for end-of-life care & bereavement, outdoor play area and sensory gardens as well as adaptable meeting space and office space for the Charlie House team and medical staff. The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen established the Trades Widows Fund Charity in 2015 and also gifted a generous donation of £10,000 to Charlie House in December 2018. The main focus of the gift was to donate capital funding to charities that will benefit children in the local area. Brian Donald, Factor of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen Trades Widows’ Fund Charity, says “We have known for some time about the Charlie House long-term vision for their Big Build Appeal project and were recently delivered an in-depth talk. This highlighted both the great need for the specialist support centre locally and for the funding to enable this to happen. The collective group of trustees were very impressed with the information, plans and what the building will mean for North-east families and we were committed to supporting this. We are delighted to know that our donation will take the appeal over the £2 million mark and hope that the appeal continues to gather speed.” Susan Crighton, Director of Fundraising at Charlie House, says, “We are so grateful to the Seven Incorporated Trades and Trades Widows Fund Charity for this very generous donation. We can’t quite put into words what this means and still can’t believe it! This figure really pushes the appeal forward and the entire team is celebrating hitting the £2million mark. The support and interest we have received from the trustees has been second to none and we are extremely thankful. Susan continues, “We will continue to raise awareness of the charity and our appeal and would also like to take this opportunity to thank the people of the North-east for their generous and unwavering support so far.” Leigh Ryrie, Children & Family Support Manager, says, “This special pool area, which the donation will go towards, will enable a variety of therapeutic and fun sessions for the whole family. Parents will be able to relax in this warm and comforting environment and the children can enjoy one-to-one therapy sessions with themed lighting.” Charlie House’s current services include activity clubs, siblings’ clubs, support from the Charlie House Community Nurse, one-to-one emotional and practical support from the Children & Family Support Manager and an annual adventure trip to Kielder Forest Park, run by the Calvert Trust. In the North-east of Scotland alone there are over 1,500 babies, children and young people with complex disabilities and life-limiting conditions. Since the charity began in 2011, Charlie House has been committed to supporting these babies, children, young people and their families. For further information on the Big Build Appeal or to make a donation visit www.charliehouse.org.uk or call 01224 313333.