Apprentices at a global investment management group have been celebrating the true meaning of Christmas by volunteering their time to provide a brighter festive period for disadvantaged children in the north-east.
A total of 10 Aberdeen Asset Management employees took part in the Cash For Kids’s Mission Christmas campaign and just like Santa’s elves at Christmas, rolled up their sleeves to sort and bag parcels that will bring festive cheer to youngsters.
Statistics reveal that one in six children in the north-east are living in poverty, and the appeal aims to make Christmas morning special for disadvantaged children and young people, by asking people to give a gift at drop off points throughout the region.
Charity manager Michelle Ferguson, who is heading up the appeal, said: “We’re delighted that young staff and apprentices, who have study commitments and other responsibilities as they learn in the workplace, have been among our volunteers this year.
“This is a great way to encourage responsible citizenship, and all efforts for the campaign really do make a difference to the lives of families living in our local communities.
“Without volunteers we would not be physically able to do this and at a time when applications are up the public response have been fantastic. We thank all our supporters who have donated cash and gifts, and those who have volunteered.”
Collectively, Aberdeen Asset Management staff have given around 70 hours of hands-on support. Apprentice Maja Omarczyk, 19, was one of those who took part.
She said: “I volunteered to help Cash for kids Mission Christmas’ campaign as I wanted to give something back to the community. One thing that I definitely got out of this is that not all children can be as lucky as others, it is very sad to know that some children could have woke up on Christmas morning without any present to open, but thanks to the generosity of people and the amazing Mission Christmas campaign all children will be able to enjoy Christmas. I’m so happy that I was able to help and I will definitely do it again next year.”
Lynn Brown, from Aberdeen Asset Management’s learning and development team, said: “We’re proud of the contribution our apprentices make and this is another example of how our young employees make a positive impact, in this case outwith the workplace in a community project that helps bring happiness to the lives of children at Christmastime.”