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.
The charity is gearing up to mark its 30th anniversary next year with a campaign to provide an extra “something special” for all those it helps, whether that is a practical item or a day-trip somewhere new.
Fundraising manager Janine Davies said: “We are so grateful. We’re a small charity, so support like this is vital for us.”
Kim Stewart, from Rainbow Rogues in Ellon, said: “We initially ran two morning groups every week for pre-school children with additional needs and we later added another afternoon.
“This donation will allow us to open a new session on a Tuesday afternoon.”
Seonaidh Baker, operations manager for the Seven Incorporated Trades, said: “The trades and the Trades Widows Fund charity felt we could really benefit children in Aberdeen that are maybe suffering hardship or illness.
“We just want to make Christmas special for them by donating money to the charities that can help them.”