Teapot Trust is so delighted to have been chosen as one of the four charitable beneficiaries of the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon’s Christmas card this year.
This year’s card features a beautiful image entitled ‘Say it with a kiss!’ by Scottish artist John Byrne, the original of which will be auctioned off and the proceeds split between Teapot Trust, SCIAF, Food Train and Scottish Women’s Aid. Ms Sturgeon said ‘The four charities that will benefit from the sale of the painting do fantastic work on local, national and international levels, and I’m very pleased that the card can support such a wide range of good causes.’
The Teapot Trust is a Scottish charity providing professional art therapy and creative interventions for chronically ill children and young people in hospitals and hospices across the UK. Our work aims to build resilience in children with chronic illness by encouraging them to express emotions, mentally overcome the challenges linked to their condition and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Participating in art therapy can contribute to positive mental health, provide peer interaction and a sense of community within the hospital environment and introduce new skills, providing opportunities to be viewed as an individual rather than as patient.
Since 2007, artwork from the First Minister’s official Christmas cards has raised around £170,000 for good causes through the sales of original paintings and limited edition prints. As Teapot Trust receive no funding from the NHS or the Government, generous donations such as this help us ensure we can continue providing our much needed services.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) marked Living Wage Week 2017 (November 5-11) by becoming accredited as a Living Wage employer.
The Scottish Government’s Minister for Public Health and Sport, Aileen Campbell, visited Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, (CHSS) headquarters in Edinburgh to celebrate this milestone moment on Thursday, November 9.
During her visit, Ms Campbell met CHSS staff, who shared their plans to proudly display their Living Wage employer mark in each of their community hubs and retail units across Scotland.
The Living Wage, which this week increased to £8.75 from £8.45 per hour, will be extended to all 260 employees of CHSS by May 2018. This is significantly higher than the statutory minimum for over 25s of £7.50 per hour introduced in April 2017.
The Living Wage seeks to meet the cost of living in Scotland, including the cost of accommodation, food and accounting for factors such as inflation.
Minister for Public Health and Sport, Aileen Campbell said:
“This is great news and will ensure staff directly employed by CHSS – alongside all contracted staff – have the security of being paid at least the real Living Wage.
“The Scottish Government is encouraging more organisations to recognise the benefits of paying the real Living Wage, to help ensure that basic wages continue to meet the cost of living.”
Jane-Claire Judson, CHSS Chief Executive, said:
“For CHSS, being a Living Wage employer is part of our philosophy and is about doing the right thing for our people. Offering the Living Wage above the minimum wage is good for our workforce and it is great for our organisational health particularly in retaining employees. But just as importantly, it’s a symbol of the type of charity we exist to be and our aspirations to be responsible in all that we do in order to make a difference to our people lives. We’ve been delivering the living wage as an employer for years and it’s great to be officially recognised this way.”
Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance said:
“I congratulate Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland on their accreditation as a Living Wage Employer. They join a growing movement of over 1000 accredited employers in Scotland. With the support of all accredited employers like CHSS, we aim to further grow the number of people our Initiative has helped to receive the real Living Wage. We encourage more employers to join us, to reinforce that Living Wage accreditation is the mark of a responsible employer.”
Kind-hearted Kiltwalk heroes are the toast of 780 Scottish charities as it was revealed today they raised £2.3 million in 2017 – with donations still coming-in.
And 2018 is set to be even bigger with walkers able to add 40% to whatever money they raise for the charity of their choice thanks to support from The Hunter Foundation.
Sir Tom Hunter, founder of The Hunter Foundation and backer of the Kiltwalk noted: “Kiltwalk is the platform for people across Scotland to raise funds for the charity of their choice; it’s simple, it’s fun and it makes a huge difference to the charities they care about.
“For every Pound they raise The Hunter Foundation will add another forty pence, which I hope makes this platform the most effective fundraising opportunity in Scotland.
“I would urge charities, corporates and individuals alike to take this chance to maximise fundraising for what they care about and have a fantastic time doing it.”
This year some 14,000 fundraisers – an astonishing 87% increase on the 7,500 walkers of 2016 – participated in the four Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh this year.
Sir Tom added; “It makes me the proudest Scot on the planet to know that all these people walked for causes they care about. We very much appreciate the continued support of valued sponsors including Royal Bank of Scotland and Arnold Clark. Together, we strive to make Kiltwalk the country’s biggest charity event.”
Next year’s Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk events will take place on:
• Sunday, 29 April, 2018 in Glasgow
• Sunday, 3 June, 2018 in Aberdeen
• Sunday, 19 August, 2018 from St. Andrews to Dundee
• Sunday, 16 September, 2018 in Edinburgh
For every penny raised by a Kiltwalker in 2017, Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation pledged 140% to their chosen charity. This unique fundraising boost will continue next year.
The unstoppable army of Kiltwalkers raised a staggering £1,642,000 before the 40% top up was applied in 2017 for their chosen charities, which is an 89% increase on last year’s fundraising total of £870,000.
Platinum sponsor Arnold Clark joined Sir Tom in repeating a generous fundraising pledge. As was the case in 2017, a lucky Kiltwalker from each event will win a brand new car. Funds raised by those who choose to walk for the Kiltwalk itself are distributed through the STV Children’s Appeal.
For more information about the Kiltwalk, or to register, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk
On Sunday, around 3,000 people took to the streets of Edinburgh for this year’s final Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk to raise funds for walkers’ chosen charities.
Sir Tom Hunter, the man with the vision to turn the Kiltwalk into Scotland’s biggest mass participation event for charity, praised Edinburgh Kiltwalkers for their commitment to good causes across Scotland.
Sir Tom said: “I am overwhelmed by the energy and enthusiasm displayed by each and every person who took part in the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk. Their dedication and determination to raise funds for charities big and small is admirable. The atmosphere in BT Murrayfield and on the route today was nothing short of extraordinary.”
Thanks to the generous 40% fundraising boost pledged by Sir Tom and the Hunter Foundation, charities will receive a 140% return for every penny raised by walkers. Whilst Platinum Sponsor Arnold Clark has donated a brand new Renault Clio at each event this year, meaning one of the lucky 3,000 Kiltwalkers will win a new set of wheels.
Sir Tom was at each of the starts to cheer on Kiltwalkers as they set off. Leading out Edinburgh’s Mighty Stride was 51-year-old Lynne McKenzie from Elgin who was walking for charity CHAS.
Whilst leading the way for the Big Stroll was 45-year-old Julie Whyte from Dunfermline who was joined by her 11-year-old daughter Abigail who was diagnosed with arthritis when she was just four. They were walking for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and Scottish Network for Arthritis in Children (SNAC).
Julie said: “I am so proud that Abigail and I led out the Big Stroll today. She has attended the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People for treatment every four weeks since she was diagnosed and they have shown her so much support over the years. Abigail saw the Kiltwalk was coming to Edinburgh and she wanted to take part and give something back.”
Finally, leading the way for the Wee Wander was mother and daughter, 33-year-old Jeannette Smith and nine-year-old Lucy Abbeels from Edinburgh. They were fundraising for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland as Lucy was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Also joining them was ENABLE Scotland’s patron and sport TV anchor Hazel Irvine.
Walkers set off from BT Murrayfield at 9am to complete the 26-mile Mighty Stride, going via Leith and taking in iconic landmarks such as Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park. The 12-mile Big Stroll set off from BT Murrayfield at 11am while the five-mile Wee Wander set off from Gypsy Brae Recreational Ground at 1pm. All routes finished at the Kiltwalk Village at BT Murrayfield where walkers enjoyed entertainment from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Malcolm Buchanan, chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Scottish board, said: “We are humbled and inspired by everyone uniting together to walk the Kiltwalk. The Royal Bank of Scotland is a proud partner and we want to say a huge well done to everyone who took part today.”
With more than £1.3 million already distributed to charitable causes from the Glasgow Kiltwalk alone, the total raised across the 2017 Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks will increase after the fourth and final event held today.
More than 700 charitable organisations are set to benefit as the Kiltwalk is now open to every charity. Funds raised by those who choose to walk for the Kiltwalk itself are distributed through the STV Children’s Appeal as the official grant making partner.
Volunteers also got in on the fundraising action, as for every hour of time they donated, Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation will gift £1.10 to each Kiltie’s chosen charity.
To find out more about the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk
Ten colleagues at leading law firm Thorntons bravely volunteered to have their heads shaved in the name of charity and have raised £8000 so far for Cancer Research.
Lynne Steel, department supervisor in personal injury at Thorntons, rallied her fellow colleagues to take part in the challenge on Friday 4 August 2017 in aid of Cancer Research. The firm also held a bake off and dress down day over the weekend to raise additional funds for Cancer Research.
The nine co-workers, based in Dundee, who joined Lynne were John O’Neill, Stephen Brand, Vincent Chung, Stephen O’Hare, Colin Whyte, Ewan Ramsay, Heather McKenzie, Lee Corr and joint managing partner Craig Nicol.
Thorntons partner Stephen Brand not only volunteered to have his head shaved also took the razor to his beard – for the first time in 45 years.
Lynne said: “I’m so proud of my colleagues for joining me in this challenge and I hope they’ll all wear their new looks with pride- especially Stephen who also shaved his 45 year old beard. His children had never seen him clean-shaven.”
“We chose a bold fundraising attempt for those who have lost their lives and those who have survived cancer within in the firm, and I’m delighted with all the support we’ve received.
“We are absolutely overwhelmed that we’ve raised £8000 when we initially set a target of £1,500.”
Sarah Johnston, Local Fundraising Manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and has set ambitious plans and aspirations for the future.
“However, progress is only made possible thanks to people fundraising, without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses. I’d like to congratulate the Thorntons team for braving the clippers all in the name of charity and for a fantastic total.”
Sponsorship pledges can still be made to Thorntons Cancer Research fundraising here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thorntons-law-charity-head-shave.
Before photo: (Back L-R) Heather McKenzie, Ewan Ramsay, Leah Steel, Colin Whyte, Cara MacGregor, John O’Neill, Lee Corr, (Front L-R) Vincent Chung, Lynne Steel, Craig Nicol, Stephen Brand and Stephen O’Hare.
After photo: (Back L-R) Leah Steel from CM Hair, Heather McKenzie, Ewan Ramsay, Emre Sezen from A Class Barbers, Lee Corr, Colin Whyte and Cara MacGregor from CM Hair, (Front L-R) Craig Nicol, Vincent Chung, Lynne Steel, Stephen Brand, Stephen O’Hare.
Coronary heart disease is Scotland’s single biggest killer and all too often it strikes suddenly and unexpectedly.
For the past 56 years, the British Heart Foundation has been fighting back against heart disease by funding research that saves lives. Great strides have been made but there’s so much more to do, to prevent the sudden devastation families face as a result of heart disease. BHF Scotland are always keen for local people to join the fight and show their support and there are 3 great events happening in September you can get involved in:
LADIES LUNCH – 10th September – Edinburgh
The first event is a ladies lunch on the 10th September at Village Hotel on Crewe Road South, from 12-4pm. This is being run by the hotel in collaboration with BHF Scotland, who will be there on the day to speak a bit about the work of the BHF, their research and the importance of donations. In addition, guests will enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival and a two course lunch with entertainment from solo swing tribute singer Andy Miller. £5 from each ticket plus all proceeds from the raffle will go to BHF Scotland. BHF Scotland are also in the midst of organising some bespoke retailers to join the event for some shopping opportunities on the day. If you would like to donate anything to the raffle, please contact Sarah Miller, Fundraising Manager at BHF Scotland on 07702 917 677 or millers@bhf.org.uk. To book tickets or for further info on the event please contact Village Hotel directly on 0131 297 7111 or email edinburghhub@village-hotels.com.
KILTWALK – 17th September – Edinburgh
Would you like to be a Kiltwalk hero and take big steps for the BHF on 17th September? With three walk lengths to choose from (5 miles / 12 miles and 26 miles), there is sure to be a Kiltwalk to suit you! If you would like to take part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk this year and pledge to raise £200 for BHF Scotland, Sarah at the BHF can offer you a free place but don’t delay as places are limited!
The usual fee to take part is £31.65. BHF are already delighted to have members of staff from Haines Watts (one of the BHF’s wonderful corporate partners) and members of the Edinburgh BHF Researchers Fundraising Group signed up. For more info please visit: http://www.thekiltwalk.co.uk/events/edinburgh/.
HEART OF SCOTLAND DINNER – 21st September – Glasgow
The third event is the inaugural Heart of Scotland Dinner. It will be held at Oran Mor in Glasgow on Thursday 21st September, 6:30pm until late. The aim of this event is to raise funds for the pioneering research carried out by BHF’s researchers but also to raise awareness locally of the research taking place at their Centre of Research Excellence in the West End of Glasgow, just a 10 minute walk from Oran Mor itself. The ticket price (£60 pp) includes a drinks reception, a 3-course meal with tea or coffee and live entertainment. There will also be a charity auction and some surprises on the night! For tickets please contact Deirdre Curley on curleyd@bhf.org.uk or 07412 573274
Ten members of staff from leading law firm Thorntons have bravely volunteered to have their heads shaved in the name of charity.
Lynne Steel, department supervisor in personal injury at Thorntons, rallied her fellow colleagues to take part in the challenge on Friday 4 August 2017 in aid of Cancer Research.
The nine co-workers, based in Dundee, joining Lynne are John O’Neill, Stephen Brand, Vincent Chung, Stephen O’Hare, Colin Whyte, Ewan Ramsay, Heather McKenzie, Lee Corr and joint managing partner Craig Nicol.
Thorntons partner Stephen Brand has not only volunteered to have his head shaved but will also take the razor to his beard – for the first time in 45 years.
Lynne said: “I am so pleased that I’ve convinced nine colleagues to join me in this challenge. We are doing this for those who have lost their lives and those who have survived cancer within in the firm.
“We have set up a Just Giving page for donations and would be very grateful of any support as we aim to reach our target of £1,500.”
Thorntons will also host a bake off on Thursday 27 July and a dress down day on the Friday 4 August to raise additional funds for Cancer Research.
Sarah Johnston, Local Fundraising Manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and has set ambitious plans and aspirations for the future.
“However, progress is only made possible thanks to people fundraising, without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses. I’d like to wish the Thorntons team all the best with their head shave and look forward to seeing the photos!”
Sponsorship pledges to Thorntons Cancer Research fundraising can be made here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thorntons-law-charity-head-shave.
Play a memorable round of golf with colleagues and clients and help raise funds for Age Scotland’s vital work in tackling loneliness and isolation; and running Scotland’s Helpline for older people.
The Stableford event, with breakfast and a 3 course high tea, includes mini-competitions and the chance to bid for money-can’t-buy experiences. You’ll also have an opportunity to win a mini, generously donated by Eastern BMW, as a prize for a hole in one. Please support by booking a team of 4, priced £300. It’ll be a great day!
Email: fundraising@agescotland.org.uk
Visit: www.agescotland.org.uk
Monies raised will help support our Freephone Helpline, which provides expert advice as well as friendship, and last year handled calls from around 16,000 older people, their carers and families.
Details:
- Thursday 31 August
- Championship course at Dalmahoy Golf & Country Club, near Edinburgh
Age Scotland, part of the Age Network, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the later lives of everyone on the ageing journey, within a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland.
This month, we’re inviting Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce members to share their #MyEdinChamber stories.
We pride ourselves on providing a platform for businesses to create high-quality connections – through our member database, or face to face at one of our many networking events. We love to see our members connect and collaborate.
One such example is the partnership formed between Edinburgh Trams and the Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home. We invited Dean Anderson of Edinburgh Trams, and Nicola Gunn of the Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home to share their experience and their story.
1. Why did you both join the Chamber?
Nicola: We joined the Chamber as part of our new fundraising strategy was to increase our corporate network, building awareness and support for our work in the Edinburgh business community. As the Chamber is a well-respected organisation we thought it was an ideal place to start.
Dean: We joined the Chamber as part of the development of Transport for Edinburgh in 2013. We found the Chamber to be a well-respected organisation with high level members who are keen to network and discuss opportunities to collaborate, and the Chamber is key to us in developing these relationships.
2. How did this partnership begin?
Nicola: Edinburgh Trams got in touch to advise us that we had been put forward as one of several charities for staff vote to select their first ever charity of the year partnership. We were delighted to receive the majority vote and the partnership started from there!
Dean: We were keen to work with a local charity but wanted the staff to pick which charity that would be. Out of all the charities in Edinburgh and the Lothians, our staff nominated and overwhelming voted for the EDCH.
3. What role has the Chamber played in this collaboration?
Nicola: Our CEO Howard Bridges met Edinburgh Trams HR Manager Sue Bucher at a Chamber Dining Club networking meeting, Sue subsequently put us forward as one of the charities for the charity of the year staff vote.
Dean: We first met at a networking event through the Chamber which was coincidently a matter of days before our staff voted for them as their Local Charity of the Year. Having already made the connection, we got off to a quick start.
4. What value have you received as a result of this collaboration?
Nicola: The charity of the year partnership with the Trams is such a valuable relationship for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. Not only are we receiving support from the business and its amazing employees but we are also able to raise awareness of our work with the Trams customer base too – people we may never have reached otherwise. Our mission is to rescue, reunite and rehome stray lost and abandoned dogs and cats across Edinburgh and the Lothians and this partnership is key to helping us do just that.
Dean: Not only have we raised money for a great cause but it’s also provided a way for our staff to become involved in our business activities and take part in events such as the charity cycle. It’s always nice to have a break from transport and talk about our next activity for EDCH.
5. What do you love most about your membership?
Nicola: Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of networking and training opportunities which means that you are never stuck going to the same old event again and again. The huge member directory means you are always guaranteed to meet new contacts at each event which is ideal when you are looking to expand your network like us. We also love that since joining we have really got to know some of the Chamber team, they genuinely care about and look after their members.
Dean: Making connections goes without saying. We’ve attended many networking events over the years which are not only interesting but a great way to meet people in business. Our connections have led to some fantastic work not only with EDCH but other members too. We’ve also hugely benefited from training arranged through the Chamber. Our Customer Experience team enjoyed it so much we went on to work independently with the training provider.
Over the month of July, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce are exploring stories of success that our members have had through their membership with us. We’re inviting all members of the Edinburgh Chamber, small and large, to share their news of partnerships, business wins, and collaborations.
Share your story on social media using the hashtag #MyEdinChamber, or email our Marketing team to be in to win fantastic prizes from fellow members Ten Hill Place courtesy of Surgeon’s Hall, and G&V Hotel.
For more details, get in touch with Emma Reid or Daniel Tipping in the Marketing & Communications team.
Scotland’s national mental health charity SAMH reveals BT Murrayfield as it’s never been seen before!
To mark the launch of a major new challenge event, SAMH Stomp, BT Murrayfield has been given a “makeover,” with the 67,000-capacity national rugby stadium turned (temporarily) pink.
SAMH Stomp is Scotland’s first ever organised stadium stair climbing challenge.
It will take place on 7 October 2017 at BT Murrayfield and will challenge participants to conquer a unique 4,200-stair challenge.
For those who want to up the ante by taking on a serious test of endurance, a 7,400 “extreme” course is also on offer.
The concept behind SAMH Stomp originates from the southern hemisphere where stair climbing challenges in Australia and New Zealand at some of both country’s iconic stadia have become hugely popular.
Organisers at SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) hope to sign up hundreds of participants for this first edition of the event, with all sponsorship funds raised going to support Scotland’s mental health.
Jo Anderson, SAMH’s Director of External Affairs comments:
“We are excited to launch this new outdoor event, by bringing forward SAMH Stomp to Scotland for the first time.
“Our extreme course challenges participants to climb every single staircase inside the stadium bowl at BT Murrayfield. It will be a physically and mentally challenging course, but also hugely rewarding. The view from the highest point in the stadium across Edinburgh is also absolutely stunning!
“This is a vital time for mental health awareness in Scotland, having recently launched our campaign Going To Be..
“We hope that SAMH Stomp can become a major part of the event calendar in Scotland.”
To sign up to the SAMH Stomp go to www.samhstop.co.uk or for enquiries contact Gillian McManus stomp@samh.org.uk
