It’s the time of year where we think of others who may not be as fortunate as ourselves, so why not gift a donation to one of these worthy causes?
ABERLOUR
FAMILIES are struggling this winter. The cost of living has never been higher, and children are paying the price.
Across Scotland, they are going without the basics: things most of us take for granted.
Aberlour Children’s Charity runs a fund providing emergency cash grants to struggling families to access the basics required to feed and clothe their children and to heat and light their home.
The fund is however running dangerously low and without help will run out by Christmas. Disadvantaged families across the country will struggle to pay for essentials. The need for help has never been greater. The charity says:
- Almost half of the families who apply to Aberlour’s emergency fund don’t know where their next meal is coming from.
Laura, a mum supported by Aberlour said: “I don’t feed myself, I only put enough on for the wee ones and there’s not enough for me, so I don’t eat.”
- More than 50% of the families who apply need clothing for their children.
Families need help to buy warm winter jackets, school shoes and uniforms so that their children can go to school without being stigmatised.
- 20% of the families who apply don’t have a bed for their children. Many children are sleeping on the floor on mattresses, often without proper bedding.
Aberlour’s fund gives families the cash they need to feed themselves, keep their children warm and dry in the winter and ensure they get a good night’s sleep.
Mum, Chelsea supported by Aberlour says: “Sometimes I feel like I’m in a hole and I can see the ladders, but I can’t reach them. With Aberlour’s support I feel like I can start to get out.“
Chief Executive, SallyAnn Kelly OBE says: “This winter, as we continue to face the biggest cost of living crisis, more and more families are turning to the charity for help, consequently our emergency fund is going to run out of money by Christmas, when it’s needed most.
“Too many children are going without. For many families it’s a constant worry of where the next meal is coming from, and if there’ll be enough money to heat their home.
“Aberlour’s emergency fund is a lifeline to families all over Scotland and every penny of cash donated goes directly to those who need it most. If you can, please donate to our Poverty Relief Appeal today.”
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THE BEATSON
BEATSON Cancer Charity is launching its Bauble Appeal this Christmas to ensure more patients and their families across the west of Scotland can be supported by its services.
31-year old Paolo Lizzeri from Glasgow is giving hope to other cancer patients after being diagnosed with cancer three times in the last six years.
Paolo was 25-years old and had just finished university when he started experiencing symptoms and was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Paolo said: “I was diagnosed for the first time in 2017. I came to The Beatson for the first time and I got my treatment here. I made a full recovery.
“I was fine for another three years after that and then I got diagnosed for a second time in 2020. I did the same thing again, I got a different treatment, I got a stem cell transplant - I rang the bell and everything was great.
“Unfortunately at the start of this year, I got diagnosed for a third time so I'm currently undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma for a third time.”
Beatson Cancer Charity is launching its Bauble Appeal this Christmas to ensure more patients and their families across the west of Scotland can be supported by its services.
31-year old Paolo Lizzeri from Glasgow is giving hope to other cancer patients after being diagnosed with cancer three times in the last six years.
Paolo was 25-years old and had just finished university when he started experiencing symptoms and was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Paolo said: “I was diagnosed for the first time in 2017. I came to The Beatson for the first time and I got my treatment here. I made a full recovery.
“I was fine for another three years after that and then I got diagnosed for a second time in 2020. I did the same thing again, I got a different treatment, I got a stem cell transplant - I rang the bell and everything was great.
“Unfortunately at the start of this year, I got diagnosed for a third time so I'm currently undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma for a third time.”
Request your Beatson Bauble or leave a digital message at:
beatsoncancercharity.org/bauble
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CANCER RESEARCH UK
PEOPLE are being urged to boot up for a big adventure as part of a stunning new fundraising challenge in the heart of The Trossachs.
Cancer Research UK’s Big Hike will take place in the national park for the first time on 18 May 2024 to raise money for life-saving research.
Suitable for everyone from first-timers, to regular ramblers or experienced hikers, the one-day event offers half or full marathon distances.
Or people can choose to take part in a shorter 10k option with their little hikers aged 12 and up.
Starting in Callander, the event will take in breathtaking views on the Rob Roy Way, past the Falls of Leny and along the banks of Loch Lubnaig.
Walkers will be supported every step of the way. The route is clearly signposted with friendly volunteers on hand, support points with snacks and drinks and a hot meal at the finish.
Gareth Mulcahy, Head of Events and Sports for Cancer Research UK, said: “One in two people will get cancer in their lifetime*, but all of us can support the research that will beat it. That’s why we’re urging beginners and seasoned walkers alike to play their part and help our scientists to keep making new discoveries.
“Signing up for Big Hike is a great opportunity for people to set themselves an achievable challenge and enjoy some spectacular scenery – all in aid of a good cause.
In the last 50 years, Cancer Research UK has helped double cancer survival in the UK.
The charity invests around £33m in Scotland each year in some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research. This includes supporting the work of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute in Glasgow, where researchers have expertise across a broad range of research areas and cancer types, including bowel and pancreatic cancer.
Gareth continued: “We want to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. By signing up to Big Hike The Trossachs and raising vital funds, people can help us take big steps towards more big breakthroughs.”
cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved
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PRINCE & PRINCESS OF WALES HOSPICE
2023 marks the 40th year of gold-standard palliative care being delivered by The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow.
The anniversary is a significant milestone for both the hospice and for palliative care in Glasgow.
For 40 years, staff and volunteers have been dedicated to providing the best possible end of life care to people with life-limiting and terminal illnesses and their families with compassion for all.
Through the multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, the charity offers a wide range of services, including pain and symptom management, emotional and psychological support and practical assistance, both within the hospice at Bellahouston Park and within people’s own homes. With a commitment to enhancing quality of life, the hospice continually strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.
Hospice patient, 56-year-old Jean McCauley who is living with the life-limiting illness Multiple Myeloma, a form of bone cancer. Jean says: “When I was referred to the hospice, I really didn’t know what to expect, as my emotions were all over the place.
"I'm happy to say that the hospice has been a lifeline to me. I attend the Living Well Hub once or twice a week. It's a wonderful place where you meet patients in similar situations to yourself. The hospice helps you to live with a life limiting illness in a much more positive way and I will always be grateful for their support.”
The hospice could not offer these services, however, without the unwavering and supremely generous support from the people of Glasgow and further afield. It costs more than £13,000 a day to provide this specialist care and support and requires more than £3million to be fundraised each year to keep the doors open.
There are lots of ways to support the hospice.
You could volunteer with us, take part in a fundraising event, or organise your own event. Pushed for time but would still like to help? You could make a financial donation, or support us by visiting our public cafe, beauty salon, or any of our 17 retail hospice shops throughout Greater Glasgow.
Any support you can provide helps us to continue delivering and improving our services. Thank you.
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QUARRIERS
QUARRIERS is supporting hundreds of young people, aged 16 – 25 who find themselves homeless this winter. Almost a quarter of homeless applications in Scotland are made by young people and youth homelessness is on the rise.
No matter how they have become homeless, they don’t have family support they can rely on. The cost-of-living crisis has hit them hard, and many of the young people we support have been faced with a choice between being cold or hungry.
“They’re children being asked to live in an adult world before they’re ready.” Quarriers support worker.
We’re asking for help to provide them with gifts and essentials this Christmas. Donors can choose between a range of different gifts for homeless young people - including £5 for a ‘wee minding’, £10 for a toiletries bundle, or £30 for a Christmas parcel. For many of the supported youngsters, the Christmas gifts from Quarriers Christmas appeal may be the only gift they receive this year.
Your gift plays an important part in year-round support that helps young people reach for brighter futures. With the right support they can move on to work, training or education, and leave homelessness behind. It all starts with connection and care. Receiving a gift at Christmas lets them know that someone cares.
Donate now to give a young man or woman the simple dignity of a toothbrush and toothpaste, some shampoo, or a gift to open on Christmas Day.
Find out more about Quarriers and how we help people live fuller lives at www.quarriers.org.uk
quarriers.org.uk/christmas-appeal
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ERSKINE
EACH year, Erskine Vererans Charity cares for many ex-Servicemen and women from all backgrounds – and you can make a difference to the lives of our country’s Veterans who have sacrificed so much.
This Christmas, any donation you can manage will ensure those who have given so much to our country receive the care and appreciation they deserve.
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